A historic milestone was reached in Vilnius this week as Eglė and Karolina, together for 13 years, exchanged rings in Vilnius Town Hall — the first officially recognised same-sex civil union in Lithuania. The celebration followed an August 8 Vilnius District Court ruling that recognised their partnership, a decision that took legal effect last week.
Friends, family, and supporters filled the historic hall to witness the ceremony.
The couple, who got engaged a decade ago, grew emotional as they exchanged rings. “Finally,” Eglė said. “Finally, there are steps forward. We can legalise our relationship in the eyes of the state and feel dignified.” Karolina added that the recognition gave them something equally vital: “To feel safe.”
The journey to recognition was far from easy. The couple admitted there were “many tears and sleepless nights” before the court’s ruling. Although they considered registering their partnership abroad, they stressed the importance of achieving equality at home. “We are very patriotic citizens,” Eglė explained. “We want a safe legal life here in Lithuania.”
This progress follows an April Constitutional Court ruling that restricting partnerships in the Civil Code to heterosexual couples violated the Constitution. Until parliament passes legislation to regulate partnerships, same-sex couples can now seek recognition through the courts.
Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas, who attended the ceremony, called the recognition “a historic turning point.” While acknowledging that practical aspects of family life still require legislative action, he underlined the significance of Vilnius hosting the first such celebration. “It is fitting that Vilnius, an open and dynamic city, is the place where this history was made.”
Vladimir Simonko, Executive Director of LGL, also welcomed the event as a turning point: “This ceremony shows that love and commitment between same-sex couples cannot be ignored. It is a victory for human dignity and equality, and it reminds lawmakers of their responsibility to ensure that all families are protected under Lithuanian law.”
Justice Minister-designate Rita Tamašunienė has stated that partnerships should be regulated through amendments to the Civil Code, though activists hope for a separate law. Meanwhile, for Eglė and Karolina, the moment was above all personal. “We love Lithuania very much,” Karolina said. “And we are happy we can be together.”
