Following a Tuesday committee review of government-proposed civil union legislation, the Polish President’s chief of staff signaled a firm veto against institutionalizing “quasi-marriages,” favoring only narrow, functional legal solutions instead.
Legislative Progress and Presidential Stance
On Tuesday, May 26, the extraordinary committee concluded its work on government-proposed regulations regarding the status of domestic partners. The two draft bills—the fundamental act and its implementing legislation—will now proceed to the Sejm for a second reading, where technical amendments are expected.
Paweł Szefernaker, representing the President’s office, stated that while Karol Nawrocki is open to discussing legal protections for domestic partners, he remains firmly opposed to creating civil partnerships that could undermine the constitutional status of marriage. He emphasized that the President will not consent to arrangements that function as “quasi-marriages.”
Government Proposal vs. Proposed Alternatives
Szefernaker argued that the legislation, which includes changes to over 200 laws, effectively introduces a new institution that equates partners to spouses throughout the legal system. Instead, he proposed a closed catalogue of specific rights, such as hospital visitation, access to medical records, and funeral arrangements, based on contractual agreements rather than systemic legal interference.
Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula noted that current opposition to the bill primarily concerns financial protections intended to assist partners during crises like illness or job loss. She expressed openness to alternative proposals from other political groups or the President’s office to resolve these issues.
Committee Vote and Statutory Provisions
The committee approved both bills with eight votes in favor and two against, with Jolanta Niezgodzka appointed as the reporter. The government proposal allows two adults to register a notary-certified agreement at the Civil Registry Office.
This registration would enable partners to establish property regimes, alimony obligations, rights to shared housing, and the authority to act as representatives in daily matters and medical decisions.
