On December 16, Poland’s Defence Minister Paweł Bejda urged the Permanent Council of Ministers to examine a one‑year trial period for couples entering shared‑living contracts as part of a proposed law on close persons.
Minister’s Proposal on Close Person Status
Defence Minister Paweł Bejda sent a memorandum to the Permanent Council of Ministers proposing amendments to the draft law on the status of close persons in a partnership and cohabitation agreement. The ministry argues that persons entering a cohabitation agreement should acquire all rights enumerated under the amended legislation after one year from the contract’s signing.
Reaction from LGBT Advocacy Group
Mateusz Sulwiński of the Stonewall LGBT group called the proposal “a new idea from the ministry” and expressed concern that a trial period of one year would be imposed on same‑sex partners forming a partnership.
PSL Opposition to Partner Association Law
The Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (PSL) previously opposed the legislation on partner associations, which would have formalised same‑sex partnerships and prohibited their registration at civil status offices. The party feared that new legal arrangements could lead to financial abuse.
Next Steps in Government Debate
The Permanent Council of Ministers will discuss the amendment proposal on December 18. The draft is then expected to be sent to the Sejm. Katarzyna Kotula, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Finance, said the government hopes to adopt the measure before Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
What Changes for Cohabitation Contracts?
Couples who sign a cohabitation agreement will need to register it with a notary, and it will be recorded in the Civil Status Office but will not alter their civil status. The document will grant benefits such as inheritance tax exemption, joint health insurance, family pension eligibility, burial rights, and mutual access to medical records.
