Same-sex couple sue over Slovakia’s refusal to register marriage
Case of couple who wed legally in Austria exposes clash between EU court ruling and national restrictions
TL;DR
- A same-sex couple is suing Slovakia for refusing to register their legal marriage conducted in Austria.
- Slovakia does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships, defining marriage constitutionally as between a man and a woman.
- The couple's legal challenge is based on a 2025 EU court ruling stating that member states must recognize same-sex marriages performed legally in other EU countries.
- Slovakian authorities cite the country's constitutional and legal framework as the reason for refusal, arguing that administrative work cannot override legislative decisions.
- Another same-sex couple is also suing for similar reasons, highlighting the use of their married surname on air but not in official documents.
- The case occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and government actions in Slovakia, including constitutional changes recognizing only two sexes and tightening adoption restrictions.
- One of the couples stated they don't require marriage recognition for their daily lives but want the rule of law to be applied consistently.