The Polish government has proposed a bill to introduce legally recognized civil partnerships for same-sex couples. The country is currently one of the five EU countries that do not have such civil partnerships, and last year the European Court of Human Rights ruled that this violates the rights of same-sex couples.
Although most groups in the Polish government coalition support their introduction, the law is likely to face resistance from one of their conservative allies. Even if the parliament were to approve the bill, it could still face a potential veto from conservative President Andrzej Duda.
In July of this year, a bill to introduce civil partnerships, which would also be available to opposite-sex couples, was put on the government’s agenda. The draft legislation was published on the government’s website this Friday, and will now undergo public and inter-ministerial consultations.
The bill would allow any two unmarried adults to enter into a registered civil partnership at the registry office, regardless of gender. This would provide them with increased rights and responsibilities related to taxation, healthcare, and inheritance, among other things.
“The registered civil partnership will be based on the principles of equality and non-discrimination, ensuring that every person, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to fulfill their needs and aspirations,” the legislation reads.
– Zsolt Bede – WildHunters.com
