Historic first: Ukrainian Appeals Court recognizes gay marriage as legal
Gay couple in the Kyiv Court of Appeal. Photo: informator.ua
On September 10, 2025, the Kyiv Court of Appeal reviewed a complaint regarding the recognition of Ukraine’s first gay marriage. The complaint was rejected, and the judges upheld the decision of the Desnianskyi District Court, which had established the fact of two men living together as one “family,” Informator reports with reference to the organization Insight.
Thus, the existence of marital relations between them was recognized.
“We are very happy about this decision. This is a step forward for the entire LGBTQ+ community,” the organization stated.
According to them, this ruling allegedly brings Ukraine closer to “equality.” They also promised to continue working so that “every family, regardless of its composition, receives proper protection and recognition.”
Informator writes that one of the men is a diplomat. He requested permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his partner to accompany him abroad but was denied on the grounds of no legal recognition of their union. The men had entered into an official “marriage” in the United States in 2021.
As the UOJ earlier reported, in June 2025 the Desnianskyi District Court of Kyiv issued an unprecedented decision that could radically change the concept of family in Ukraine. The court officially recognized the existence of “de facto marital relations” between two men – both Ukrainian citizens.
Read also
Armenian Church condemns Pashinyan's words about "influence agents" in Church
The Armenian Church believes that words about the Church as a "foreign agent" and "war party" are aimed at discrediting the clergy.
EU Court obliges member states to recognize legal gender change
The European Court indicated that refusing to recognize gender change may violate the rights of EU citizens to movement, residence and work in other countries of the Union.
After Lavra Caves' transfer to OCU, Dumenko promptly “tonsures” two monks
The OCU abruptly increased the number of monks in its structure by two people at once.
In Britain, children advised against drawing Jesus for sake of Muslims' feelings
In the UK, schools are advised to avoid assignments where children depict Jesus, so as not to offend the religious feelings of Muslim families.
Pastor Burns: Ukrainian rabbi’s song about Trump deserves Oscar
The American preacher congratulated Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi Moshe Reuven Asman on his anniversary and praised his musical talent.
Islamists in EU declare start of war against synagogues
A new Shiite group has claimed responsibility for a series of bombings and arson attacks on religious sites in Belgium, Greece, and the Netherlands.