The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on Tuesday that member states must recognize marriages between persons of the same sex, criticizing Poland for its refusal to accept a marriage between two Polish citizens concluded in Germany.

The court emphasized that Warsaw's refusal violates fundamental rights, including freedom of movement and respect for private life. Although the decision does not obligate states to change national legislation, it prohibits discrimination against same-sex couples in the recognition of marriages concluded abroad. In Poland, where Catholic tradition is strong, the government is working on a bill to regulate civil partnerships, but faces resistance from conservative parties. The nationalist president stated that he will block any law that undermines the constitutional status of marriage.