Felix Heinrichs, the Social Democratic mayor of Mönchengladbach, Germany, married his longtime partner Cyrus Dabir on October 10, 2026. German media reported that the civil ceremony took place at Rathaus Abtei, the city’s historic town hall, with family members and friends present.
The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Mayor Silke Wehmhörner. Heinrichs has served as mayor since 2020 and, in his public role, has officiated weddings for other couples. This time, he took part in the ceremony as a groom. Media reports said around 70 relatives and friends gathered in the town hall courtyard to welcome the couple after the ceremony.
Heinrichs and Dabir met in Düsseldorf about 11 years ago. Heinrichs has spoken publicly about their shared sense of humor and similar values. Dabir works for an information technology company and is not a member of a political party. Family members and friends later joined the couple for a reception.
Background and analysis: Germany has permitted same-sex marriage since 2017, giving same-sex couples equal legal access to marriage. Heinrichs’s wedding is a personal milestone and also a visible moment for an openly gay local political leader. However, the experience of one couple cannot represent the circumstances of all LGBTQ+ people. Legal recognition, social acceptance and equal treatment in everyday life remain distinct issues.
European Editorial Office: Lucas Bakker