Feb 13 • 11:23 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Oko.press

The Law on Closest Persons Goes to the Extraordinary Commission. Is It Good or Bad?

The Polish Parliament's Extraordinary Commission is set to finalize the law concerning informal relationships, amidst political divisions and advocacy for LGBTQ rights.

In Poland, an Extraordinary Commission has been established to refine a groundbreaking bill on informal relationships, which will soon be voted on by the Sejm. This initiative, proposed by the Polish People's Party (PSL), aims to prioritize substantive discussions over political conflicts. Supporters of the bill, including left-wing politicians, view it as a significant step towards recognizing same-sex partnerships legally, contrasting sharply with previous legislative attempts, such as a similar commission on abortion issues that sparked intense debate.

The current bill has garnered substantial parliamentary support, passing the first reading with 233 votes—the highest for a government proposal regulating informal relationships in Poland's history. Key proponents, such as Katarzyna Kotula from the Left and Urszula Pasławska from PSL, are optimistic about the bill's potential impact on LGBTQ rights, emphasizing the importance of legal recognition. This marks a progressive shift in Polish law, where the acknowledgment of same-sex relationships has faced considerable opposition in the past.

While this development is celebrated by advocates like Przemek Walas from the Campaign Against Homophobia, it remains uncertain what the final version of the law will entail. Previous legislative efforts have seen setbacks, leading to skepticism about the actual implementation of rights for LGBTQ individuals in Poland. The ongoing debate in this commission will be crucial in determining whether this bill addresses the substantive rights and definitions of partnerships or is merely a political exercise.

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