Poland, a traditionally Catholic country, has taken a significant step towards recognizing civil partnerships, including same-sex unions. The government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has proposed two bills that would establish “civil partnerships” between adults, regardless of their gender, which would be registered with local authorities like any other contract.
Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula announced the proposed bills, highlighting the milestone as a victory for equality after years of advocacy by LGBT organizations. Couples in these partnerships would have the right to establish joint property or divide their assets through notarized deeds.
While the bills represent progress, compromises were made regarding adoption rights for same-sex couples. According to the proposals, individuals in civil partnerships are entitled to participate in raising their partner’s child unless a parent objects.
Poland currently does not legally recognize same-sex relationships, making it one of five EU countries, along with Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovakia, without such laws. The bills are now set for inter-ministerial discussions and public consultations before being reviewed by the parliament in Warsaw.