Poland’s ruling coalition reached an agreement on a partner‑couples law on Tuesday after several meetings, according to officials.
Coalition Reaches Agreement on Partner‑Couples Law
Poland’s ruling coalition reached an agreement on a draft law recognising partnership unions on Tuesday after several meetings. Participants included leaders of the New Left, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, and of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz.
Key Clauses and Pending Details
Both the Left and PSL are withholding specifics, noting that some aspects still require clarification, such as whether the bill will be a government proposal or a parliamentary one. A press conference is scheduled for next week to present the full package.
Terminology Dispute: Partners vs “Person Nearest”
The wording of the new institution remains contested. The draft proposes the phrase “partner‑couples”, but PSL prefers “person nearest”, a term already used in law to cover spouses, parents, siblings and other relatives.
Rights Envisioned for New Unions
Couples entering the new union would gain rights such as inheritance, succession in a lease if one partner dies, access to a family pension, burial rights and likely joint tax filing, according to the draft.
Formation by Notary
The law would mandate that unions be registered with a notary.
Abortion Debate Persists
While the coalition has agreed on the partner‑couple issue, liberal MPs and the equality minister are still negotiating potential abortion reforms, including legalization up to 12 weeks. PSL and conservative parties oppose broader changes, and four distinct draft bills await review by a special committee.
