Poland’s Ministry of Defence has sent a memorandum to the Cabinet, proposing a one‑year trial period for couples in cohabitation agreements or registered partnerships under its draft law on close‑relative status.
Minister of Defence’s proposal on close‑relative status
The State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Paweł Bejda, addressed a memorandum to the Cabinet Secretary, Mariusz Skowroński, outlining the Ministry’s stance on the draft law concerning the status of close relatives in partnership and common‑living arrangements.
Bejda’s letter calls for a modification to the text, suggesting that individuals entering a shared‑living agreement “acquire all rights listed in the laws amended by the project after one year from the date of its conclusion.”
PSL torpedoes partnered relationship bill
Poland’s People’s Party (PSL) had previously opposed the law on registered partnerships, which allowed same‑sex couples to formalise their relationships. The party argued that permitting these unions in civil status offices could lead to financial abuse.
Following PSL’s objections, the Ministry of Defence now pushes a separate initiative on close‑relative status, potentially sidelining the broader partnership legislation.
What comes next for close‑relative status?
The Cabinet’s Standing Committee is set to discuss the proposal on December 18, with the aim of forwarding the draft to the Sejm shortly thereafter. The State Secretary for the Council of Ministers, Katarzyna Kotula, expressed hope that the government will adopt the measure before Christmas or New Year.
What may change?
Those choosing to enter a co‑habitation agreement will be required to sign it before a notary. Although the document will be recorded at the Civil Status Office, it will not alter the parties’ civil status.
The agreement will grant tax exemptions on inheritance and assets, joint health insurance, access to family pension, burial rights, and mutual access to medical records.
