The Polish Sejm has passed a law on LGBT rights — Notes from Poland
The lower house of the Polish parliament has approved a landmark bill on “partner status,” which expands the rights of unmarried couples and LGBT couples.
Notes from Poland officially reports on the political standoff surrounding this important reform.
However, Poland’s current president, Karol Nawrocki, has already announced his intention to veto this initiative.
Members of the Sejm supported the groundbreaking legislation with 230 votes in favor, while 198 lawmakers voted against it and two abstained.
Poland’s current governing coalition is currently formed by four liberal and centrist parties led by pro-European Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Katarzyna Kotula, State Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister for Equality, called this vote the first time in the country’s history that the Sejm has legally recognized same-sex relationships.
The official emphasized the high social significance of the adopted document for millions of citizens who had long remained legally unprotected.
“For several months, many people worked on this bill so that over three million Poles could feel more dignity and security—both heterosexual families and, above all, LGBT couples who pay taxes but whom the state still does not recognize,” Kotula wrote.
The new bill allows both same-sex and heterosexual couples to officially enter into a civil law contract with a notary, followed by registration at the Civil Registry Office.
Such a legal document grants partners the right to joint ownership of property, the establishment of alimony obligations, and the use of shared housing.
In addition, partners gain legal access to each other’s medical information, the right to make decisions regarding burial, provide care, and draft a will.
Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula noted with regret that the future of LGBT couples now “depends on a single person.” At the same time, she expressed confidence that this step is an irreversible process on the path toward pan-European values.
“This vote will forever remind us that the rights of the LGBT community are human rights, and no executive or legislative authority will be able to evade it,” she added.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki took a firm stance and stated that he would not sign any initiatives he considers an alternative to traditional marriage.
At the same time, the head of state expressed his willingness to consider a different version of the bill that “does not undermine the institution of marriage.”
“I am the guardian of the Constitution. The Constitution clearly states that marriage is a union between a man and a woman,” said the Polish president.
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