WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s ruling center-right party, Platforma Obywatelska (PO), has announced that it plans to introduce legislation to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples.
While the measure falls far short of marriage equality, it faces stiff opposition from social conservatives, reported Pink News UK.
Opponents, including justice minister Jaroslaw Gowin and members of the reactionary Law & Justice Party claim civil partnerships will undermine the institution of marriage.
MP and PO member Aurtur Dunin told Polish Radio that equal marriage was not on the table and plans to equalise tax laws for gay couples had been ruled out too.
Mr Dunin said the proposed bill was “very conservative” and is not aimed at legalizing same-sex marriage. The bill also fails to introduce adoption rights for same-sex couples.
The bill is expected to be supported by the Alliance of the Democratic Left (SLD), whose previous bill was rejected by the PO and right wing parties. The Polish People’s Party (PSL) is not expected to oppose the bill.
The PO is the country’s largest party and its intention to put the draft bill to the vote surprised many political commentators as the party opposed last year in a parliamentary vote a similar draft bill introduced by left wing parties, reported Gay Star News.
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Poland is a predominantly Catholic country, whose constitution currently defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The church remains fiercely opposed to any recognition of same-sex couples.
