Polish President Vetoes Civil Partnership Bill for LGBT Couples

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed the “Closest Person Status” bill, which was intended to legalize civil unions, including those for same-sex couples. In his statement, the head of state explained the decision by the need to protect the constitutional status of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, stating that the proposed legislation created a new legal institution similar to marriage.

The bill, previously passed by parliament with a narrow margin of 230 votes to 198, would have allowed unmarried couples to formalize joint property, receive tax exemptions, and access a partner’s medical information. According to Notes from Poland , Nawrocki emphasized that he is ready to sign legislation solving citizens’ practical problems, but without undermining the traditional institution of the family.

Currently, the ruling coalition lacks the three-fifths majority needed to override the presidential veto. LGBT community representatives note that today the only option for same-sex couples to legalize their relationship remains entering into a union in one of the 15 European Union countries where it is permitted. Subsequently, such marriages can have legal force in Poland under a ruling by the country’s Supreme Administrative Court. Activists point out the persistence of financial inequality, as homosexual couples continue to incur costs for organizing marriage registrations abroad.