Poland progresses toward legalizing same-sex partnerships
The government led by Donald Tusk in Warsaw has put forward a proposal for the establishment of "civil partnerships," which would encompass same-sex couples. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
In a significant move, the Polish government has introduced two bills aimed at recognizing civil partnerships, including those for same-sex couples, as announced by Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula.
Although the predominantly Catholic nation acknowledges both civil and religious marriages, it has historically opposed same-sex unions, despite ongoing advocacy from the EU and the US.
“It’s official! The draft laws on registered partnerships, which were discussed with non-governmental organizations, have been sent for public and inter-ministerial consultations,” Kotula stated on X on Friday, sharing a photo with the documents.
“This is a new chapter in the long march for equality, which, thanks to the many years of work of many LGBT organizations and civil society, has led us to this historic moment,” she further emphasized.
The government, under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is proposing to establish “civil partnerships” for adults regardless of their sex, which would be officially registered with local authorities similar to other contracts.
These partnerships would allow couples to manage joint property and enable them to divide their assets through notarized deeds.
However, Kotula also indicated that the government had to “take a step back” and find a compromise regarding same-sex couples and child adoption.
Under the proposed legislation, an individual in a civil partnership would be “entitled to participate” in the care and upbringing of their partner's child living in the household, including involvement in day-to-day decisions, “unless either of the parents exercising parental authority over the child objects.”
The bills are now set for inter-ministerial discussions and public consultations, after which they will be presented to the parliament in Warsaw.
Poland remains one of five EU countries that have yet to provide legal recognition for same-sex relationships, joined by Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovakia.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
Although the predominantly Catholic nation acknowledges both civil and religious marriages, it has historically opposed same-sex unions, despite ongoing advocacy from the EU and the US.
“It’s official! The draft laws on registered partnerships, which were discussed with non-governmental organizations, have been sent for public and inter-ministerial consultations,” Kotula stated on X on Friday, sharing a photo with the documents.
“This is a new chapter in the long march for equality, which, thanks to the many years of work of many LGBT organizations and civil society, has led us to this historic moment,” she further emphasized.
The government, under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is proposing to establish “civil partnerships” for adults regardless of their sex, which would be officially registered with local authorities similar to other contracts.
These partnerships would allow couples to manage joint property and enable them to divide their assets through notarized deeds.
However, Kotula also indicated that the government had to “take a step back” and find a compromise regarding same-sex couples and child adoption.
Under the proposed legislation, an individual in a civil partnership would be “entitled to participate” in the care and upbringing of their partner's child living in the household, including involvement in day-to-day decisions, “unless either of the parents exercising parental authority over the child objects.”
The bills are now set for inter-ministerial discussions and public consultations, after which they will be presented to the parliament in Warsaw.
Poland remains one of five EU countries that have yet to provide legal recognition for same-sex relationships, joined by Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovakia.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
