Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has introduced amendments to the draft law on the status of a closest person, seeking a one‑year trial period for partners in a cohabitation agreement.
Ministry of National Defence Sends Letter to Government Committee
The Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defence, Paweł Bejda, addressed a letter to the Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers, Mariusz Skowroński, outlining the ministry’s support for the draft law concerning the status of a closest person in a cohabitation agreement. The proposal stipulates that individuals who enter such an agreement shall acquire all rights enumerated in the laws amended by the draft one year after signing.
Stonewall Group Criticizes the Proposal
Mateusz Sulwiński from the LGBT rights organization Stonewall described the ministry’s idea as a new approach, adding that the draft would grant a one‑year “trial period” for couples in a registered partnership.
PSL Blocks Partner Law, Supports Closest‑Person Amendment
Polish People’s Party (PSL) opposed the 2022 law on partnership relationships, which had allowed same‑sex couples to formalise partnerships in civil registries. The party objected to the registration of such unions, citing potential financial abuses. The opposition’s stance influenced the ministry’s latest proposal on closest‑person status.
Next Steps: Committee Debate and Parliamentary Draft
The Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers will consider the proposal on December 18. Following the debate, the draft will be forwarded to the Sejm. Secretary‑of‑State Katarzyna Kotula expressed hope that the government will adopt it in December, either before Christmas or New Year.
Proposed Rights for Cohabitation Agreements
Persons entering a cohabitation agreement must notarise the contract, which will be recorded in the Civil Registry Office but will not alter civil status. The document would grant benefits such as exemption from inheritance tax, joint health insurance, eligibility for family pension and burial rights, and mutual access to medical records.