Lithuanian Justice Ministry refuses to register same-sex partnerships despite court orders

Following an April 2025 Constitutional Court decision that struck down the Civil Code’s gender-specific partnership definition, lower courts have started recognizing same-sex unions, yet the Justice Ministry maintains that without specific legislation it cannot enter them into any register. Its appeal against a Vilnius couple’s partnership was rejected by the Klaipėda Regional Court and later by the Supreme Court, leaving the decision final but unimplemented.

The ministry has challenged thirteen similar rulings, with three appeals rejected, and says it will act only after parliament adopts a comprehensive registration framework. Lawyers argue the refusal creates legal uncertainty, forcing couples to pursue separate court actions for inheritance, taxation and benefits, and to seek enforcement through bailiffs who can impose fines on the state. One case already incurs a daily fine of 10 euros, and further penalties could increase if the ministry persists. The dispute highlights a widening gap between judicial recognition of same-sex couples and governmental willingness to enforce those rights.