The Polish government is introducing registered civil partnerships, including for same-sex couples. But Nawrocki blocks. What happens next?
dpa | The right-wing conservative president of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, dissolved the marriage without a marriage license approved by parliament. He vetoed the civil partnership law, which he announced in Warsaw. In a video message, he said he is not against regulating legal issues for unmarried couples. But the law creates a “quasi-marriage” and cannot count on its approval.
The ruling is among the reforms that Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s center-left coalition promised when it took office. It stipulates that an agreement can be concluded by two adults in the presence of a notary. After registering with the registry office, both partners can choose the regime of joint property and determine alimony obligations. You have the right to use a shared apartment, access your partner’s medical information, and act as your partner’s authorized representative. Registered civil partnerships also apply to same-sex couples.
Right-wing opposition to civil partnership
The right-wing conservative opposition party PiS has already spoken out against the law and equality for same-sex couples during parliamentary discussions. Head of State Nawrocki also comes from their camp. He stated his refusal: “The Constitution expressly states that marriage is a union between a man and a woman.”
Criticism of the veto came from the government camp. Nawrocki is turning his back on the two million Poles who live in informal partnerships, government equality commissioner Katarzyna Kotula said in a video on Platform X. “Support for registered civil partnerships and marriage equality is growing.” Nawrocki will be able to delay these changes, but not stop them.
🏳️⚧️ SHANTAY. YOU PAY. 🏳️🌈
At taz.de you will find an independent, progressive voice. Free access made possible by our community. All information on our website is available free of charge. But those who can afford it can make a small contribution. Our readers don’t have to pay anything, but they know that good critical journalism doesn’t come out of thin air. We are very grateful for this. To ensure we can continue to do journalism tomorrow, we need more support. Our next goal: 50,000 – and with your participation we can do it. Set an example for Taz and the future of our journalism. For just 5 euros you are there! Support now