Poland replaces gender-specific terms in marriage records to recognize same-sex unions

Poland’s government under the leadership of Donald Tusk has begun replacing the words «woman» and «man» in key official documents relating to marriage registration with gender-neutral terms. The move is aimed at recognizing same-sex marriages performed outside the country and is said to be prompted by a November ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) requiring Poland to recognize such unions. However, as reported by The European Conservative, a number of politicians and legal experts are challenging the binding and legality of the ruling.

Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski appeared to concede that the change in terminology was voluntary, saying that his team «wanted» to recognize same-sex marriages. In a statement Friday, Gawkowski said he had signed «documents launching the process of changing the civil status templates so that the state functions effectively and equitably towards all citizens.» He emphasized that it is «the right of citizens to be treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation. It is a matter of dignity as well as stability in the lives of existing families.» In his tweet, dated January 16, 2026, Gawkowski also stated: «Polska ma obowiązek uznawać małżeństwa osób tej samej płci zawartego legalnie w innych krajach UE. To prawo, które musimy i chcemy stosować — wyrok TSUE jest jasny.», which translates as «Poland is obliged to recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other EU countries. This is a right that we must and want to apply — the decision of the CJEU is clear.»

According to reports, the words «woman» and «man» will be replaced by «first spouse» («pierwszy małżonek») and «second spouse» («drugi małżonek»).

However, these moves have drawn sharp criticism. Lawyer and politician Krystyna Pawlowicz reacted by saying that «Poland does NOT have such an obligation» and called on the deputy prime minister to «familiarize herself with and act in accordance with the Polish Constitution.» Former defense minister for the Law and Justice (PiS) party Mariusz Blaszczak also rejected claims that the ruling of the European Court of Justice was «clear» and absolutely binding on Polish family policy, calling such an interpretation an «abuse». He added: «The Court has no competence to interfere with the constitutionally defined model of marriage in the Member States. The Union has not been granted competence in the field of family law under the Treaties and family policy, like the status of marriage, remains in the domain of nation states.»

Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Krzysztof Bosak called it «an attempt to introduce the consequences of homosexual ‘marriages’ through the back door.» In his opinion, «this decision should be corrected in accordance with the principles of the rule of law».

Recall, it was previously reported that in Canada, Protestant minister Derek Reimer faced the threat of imprisonment after publicly criticizing an event for children with trans artists. His refusal to sign a court-required written apology aggravated his legal situation, sparking a debate about freedom of speech and religion in the country.