Legal observers say the Polish government’s administrative approach may exceed its authority under Article 18 of the constitution.
Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting on May 12, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged that Poland would move to recognize same-sex “marriages” conducted in other European Union countries involving Polish citizens.
Since Poland currently does not recognize same-sex “marriage” or civil partnerships under domestic law, Tuskʼs decision means that Polish same-sex unions that are recognized abroad will similarly be recognized, transcribed, and officially entered into Polandʼs civil registry.
Tusk urged ministers to finalize regulations as quickly as possible to standardize the transcription process nationwide. He also said the decision was set in motion by rulings from the European Unionʼs highest court and Polandʼs Supreme Administrative Court.
In November 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that EU member states must recognize same-sex marriage ceremonies performed in other member countries for certain administrative purposes. In March 2026, Polandʼs Supreme Administrative Court reinforced that principle by ordering Warsaw authorities to register the marriage certificate of a Polish same-sex couple “married” in Germany.
The prime minister also offered a public apology to same-sex couples in Poland, saying many had experienced
