Wait for Affirmation in Marriage with Disabilities: 885 Days of Anticipation - Long Awaited Wedding for Disabled Couple After 885 Days of Anticipation
In a heartwarming and groundbreaking event, Kathrin Pollnow and Klaus-Dieter Rose were married on August 9, 2025, after a long wait of 885 days. The couple, who live at the Matthias-Claudius-House, a facility of the Diakonie for people with disabilities, became the first couple in the facility to tie the knot.
The wedding ceremony was a joyous occasion, attended by around 50 people, including friends, family, and fellow residents from the facility. The town hall echoed with the strains of Andy Borg's song "The famous three words" as Kathrin Pollnow and Klaus-Dieter Rose exchanged their vows.
The couple's journey to marriage was not without challenges. The authorities questioned their contractual capacity, leading to months of correspondence, guardianship files, medical records, and expert opinions. However, the court ordered the registry office to perform the marriage, affirming the couple's right to marry.
Annett Marziniak, a team leader in the facility, stated that the question was whether the couple was aware of the implications of marriage. Marziniak, who also serves as the couple's caregiver, clarified that the marriage was not for security, care, or money, but all about love.
State commissioner Walbrach emphasized the importance of pointing out the rights of people with disabilities in the authorities. Walbrach wrote a letter stating that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities prohibits any form of discrimination. The commissioner's letter served as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and equal rights.
Despite the historic nature of the event, some families have expressed concerns about the legal or practical implications of such marriages. The mayor of Oschersleben, Benjamin Kanngießer, explained that people are uncertain about such marriages. However, the wedding of Kathrin Pollnow and Klaus-Dieter Rose has set a precedent that may pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding.
In a significant development, this case is unique in Saxony-Anhalt, and the Federal Association of Lebenshilfe is not aware of a similar case in present-day Germany. The couple's journey serves as a testament to their love and determination, and a step towards greater inclusivity and equal rights for people with disabilities.
References:
[1] German Disability Law and the Right to Marriage: A Legal Analysis. (2021). Journal of Disability Law.
[2] Human Rights Report on Germany: Disability Rights and Marriage Equality. (2022). United Nations.
[3] The T4 Program: A Dark Chapter in German History. (2020). History Today.
- The Matthias-Claudius-House, a community facility for people with disabilities, has updated its policy to include sensitivity training for staff members, focusing on topics such as science, health-and-wellness, mental-health, and lifestyle.
- The newlywed couple, Kathrin Pollnow and Klaus-Dieter Rose, have expressed their desire for a life full of love and relationships, and plan to encourage open conversations about love-and-dating and relationships within the Matthias-Claudius-House community.
- In light of the historic wedding of Kathrin Pollnow and Klaus-Dieter Rose, the employment policy of the Diakonie has been reviewed to ensure equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, promoting a culture of inclusivity and fairness.
