Poland’s Ministry of Defence has urged lawmakers to allow a one-year trial period for couples entering a residence agreement to gain rights under the closest‑person status law, sparking backlash from the PSL and LGBT groups.
Proposal from Defence Ministry on Closest Person Status
Through Secretary Paweł Bejda, the Defence Ministry sent a memorandum to the Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers, headed by Minister Mariusz Skowroński, outlining its position on the bill concerning the status of the closest person in a partnership and joint‑residence agreement.
The ministry suggested that those entering a joint‑residence agreement should acquire all rights enumerated in the amended statutes one year after the agreement’s conclusion.
LGBT Group Criticises New Idea
Mateusz Sulwiński of the LGBT advocacy group Stonewall described the ministry’s proposal as a new idea that would give couples a trial period of a year to formalise their partnership.
PSL Opposes Partnership Law
The Polish People’s Party (PSL) had earlier opposed the partnership law that allowed same‑sex couples to formalise their relationship, arguing that new legal solutions could lead to financial abuse.
Next Steps for Closest Person Status
The Permanent Committee will debate the proposal on December 18, with the bill then heading to the Sejm. Secretary of State Katarzyna Kotula said the government hoped to adopt the measure before Christmas or New Year.
Potential Changes Under the New Law
Couples signing a joint‑residence agreement would need to notarise it; it would be registered with the Civil Registry Office but would not alter their civil status.
The document would grant benefits such as inheritance tax exemption, joint health insurance, a family pension, burial rights, and mutual access to medical records.