A historic milestone was celebrated in Vilnius this week as Eglė and Karolina, a couple together for 13 years, exchanged rings after a court formally recognised their partnership – the first time Lithuania has officially acknowledged a same-sex couple.
The ceremony at Vilnius Town Hall came after the city district court’s August 8 decision recognising their partnership took legal effect. Friends, family and supporters gathered to witness what many described as a turning point for equality in Lithuania.
“We are all witnesses to a historic event – not only in your lives, but in the history of Lithuania,” said Artūras Rudomanskis, head of the LGBTQ rights NGO Tolerant Youth Association, who led the ceremony. “This decision was made possible by years of effort from the community and its allies to ensure that love is visible and respected.”
Both women, 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 just as important: “To feel safe.”
The road to recognition was not easy. The couple admitted there were “many tears and sleepless nights” before the court’s decision. While they had considered registering their partnership abroad, they said it was important to secure equal rights in their home country.
“We are very patriotic citizens,” said Eglė. “We want a safe legal life here in Lithuania.”
The breakthrough came after the Constitutional Court ruled in April that limiting partnerships in the Civil Code to a man and a woman violated the constitution. The decision allowed same-sex couples to seek recognition through the courts until the parliament, the Seimas, passes legislation to regulate partnerships.
Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas, who attended the ceremony, called the recognition “a historic turning point”. He noted that while the ruling establishes legal recognition in the national registry, many practical aspects of family life remain unresolved until lawmakers act.
“It is a long road that has led us here,” he said. “But it is fitting that Vilnius, an open and dynamic city, is the place where this history was made.”
Rudomanskis said the case puts pressure on the Seimas to create a clear legal framework for same-sex couples. “These are the first swallows,” he said. “Each victory brings more equality.”
Justice Minister-designate Rita Tamašunienė has said that partnerships should be regulated through amendments to the Civil Code, though activists hope for a separate law.
For Eglė and Karolina, the ceremony was above all a personal triumph. “We love Lithuania very much,” Karolina said. “And we are happy we can be together.”
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