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EU Court Mandates Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages Across Member States

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A November ruling by the European Court of Justice held that all EU member states must recognize lawful same-sex marriages performed in other member states.
The Polish administrative court ordered transcription of the couple's German marriage certificate into the Polish civil registry, granting de facto recognition.
Eighteen EU countries recognize same-sex marriages, with the Netherlands first in 2001.

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Story summary

A November ruling by the European Court of Justice held that all EU member states must recognize lawful same-sex marriages performed in other member states.
The Polish administrative court ordered transcription of the couple's German marriage certificate into the Polish civil registry, granting de facto recognition.
Eighteen EU countries recognize same-sex marriages, with the Netherlands first in 2001.