RCC bishops express concern over EU court's ruling on same-sex marriages

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). Photo: basilica.ro

Catholic bishops of the European Union have expressed concern over the recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which mandates all EU countries to recognize same-sex marriages concluded in other states. This was reported by the website basilica.ro.

The Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) gathered on December 3, 2025, to analyze the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union  regarding the case of two Polish citizens whose marriage, registered in Germany, was refused recognition by Polish registration authorities.

The bishops emphasize in a statement published on December 9 that this decision raises serious questions regarding the respect for national competencies, especially in the area of family law.

The ruling obliges member states in certain situations to recognize same-sex marriages legally concluded in another member state.

Catholic bishops note that such an interpretation undermines the provisions of Article 9 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which stipulates that the exercise of the right to marry is guaranteed in accordance with national laws.

"Marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman in the legal systems of several EU Member States, in some cases even through constitutional provisions," the statement states.

The organization warns that such decisions may fuel anti-European sentiments among the population and may be instrumentalized in tense political contexts, worsening the current climate regarding the perception of the European Union in several states.

As reported by the UOJ, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that same-sex marriages must be recognized throughout the EU.

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