Polish lawmakers presented a draft law on the legal status of a closest person in cohabitation agreements, sparking debate over its implications for marriage and tax benefits, while President Nawrocki stressed the proposal must first reach parliament.
Government Draft Introduces New Status for Closest Person
On Friday, the Sejm’s vice‑marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty, minister Katarzyna Kotula of the New Left, deputy premier Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz, and PSL MP Urszula Pasławska outlined a legislative concept that would allow “closest person” agreements to be notarized and registered at the Civil Status Office. The law would cover burial decision rights, health‑information access, and tax exemptions on inheritances and gifts, as well as eligibility for a partner’s pension.
Presidential Office Cautions Against Immediate Sign‑On
Rafał Leśkiewicz, presidential spokesman, said the draft would first be submitted to the Sejm and that the president would not reply within hours to whether he endorses it. He reported that Nawrocki has voiced support for a legal framework regulating the status of closest persons during his campaign.
Vice‑Chief of Staff Rejects Marriage‑Alternative Language
Paweł Szefernaker, head of the presidential office, warned that the proposal should not be framed as an alternative to marriage, stressing that the new institution must not be confused with existing marital rights. He urged authors and promoters to keep this distinction clear.
Critics Call the Law “Marriage Erasure Act”
Observers describe the draft as effectively a “marriage‑erasure” bill that grants informal relationships the same or greater privileges as marriage, including tax benefits and inheritance rights. Critics argue that the proposal could create a competing institution to marriage without permitting adoption.
President Nawrocki Stresses Support for Closest‑Person Status
During a televised debate, Nawrocki affirmed his support for recognizing closest‑person status and offered to discuss the matter with all political circles. He clarified that he rejects same‑sex marriage but is open to the proposal’s benefits for various relationship types.
