Minister of Defence MOŃ proposes a one‑year trial period before partner contracts confer full rights, following opposition pushback, with the draft slated for debate on 18 December.
MOŃ proposes a one‑year trial period for partners
On 16 December, State Secretary Paweł Bejda from the Ministry of National Defence sent a memorandum to State Secretary Mariusz Skowroński, outlining the ministry’s position on the draft companion‑status law. The proposal would grant partners in a partnership and common‑living agreement all rights listed in the amended laws one year after signing their contract.
Opposition to the partnership law
Following the PSL’s rejection of the partner‑relationship law that allowed same‑sex couples to formalise partnerships, MOŃ and other PSL‑led ministries in spring criticised the draft, arguing that new legal provisions could create financial abuse.
Council of Ministers to debate companion status on 18 Dec
The Council of Ministers will discuss the companion‑status proposal on Thursday 18 December before forwarding it to the Sejm. State Secretary Katarzyna Kotula said the government hopes the bill will be adopted in December, either before Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
What changes will companion status bring?
Those entering a common‑living agreement must sign the contract before a notary; it will be registered at the Civil Registry but will not alter civil status. The document will allow benefits such as exemption from inheritance and gift tax, joint health insurance, eligibility for family pension and burial rights, and mutual access to medical records.
