Poland’s Defence Ministry on Dec. 16 drafted a memorandum proposing a one‑year trial period for couples in common‑law partnerships, proposing they gain full legal rights after the first year.
MON’s proposal on close‑person status
On Dec. 16, Defence Minister Paweł Bejda sent a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office proposing amendments to the draft close‑person status law. The ministry asks that couples who enter a common‑law partnership receive all statutory rights after one year of the agreement. Mateusz Sulwiński of Stonewall’s LGBT association called it a “new ministerial idea” and a “trial period” for partners.
PSL opposition to the partnership law
The close‑person status bill was drafted after the Polish People’s Party (PSL) opposed the 2019 partnership law that allowed same‑sex couples to formalise relationships. PSL argued against registering such partnerships in civil‑registry offices and feared financial abuse. The same party, including MON, later criticised the partnership law draft in spring.
What comes next for close‑person status?
The Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers will debate the proposal on Dec. 18, then send it to Parliament. State Secretary Katarzyna Kotula said the government hopes to adopt it in December, possibly before Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
Potential changes for partners
Couples who sign a common‑law partnership agreement must do so before a notary. The document will be recorded in the civil‑registry office but will not alter civil status. It grants benefits such as inheritance tax exemption, joint health insurance, eligibility for family pension, burial rights, and mutual access to medical records.