Polish lawmakers clashed in the Sejm over a government bill to grant legal status to cohabiting partners, with PiS dismissing it as an unproductive ideological invention.
Bill Presented as Compromise
On Thursday (February 12), the Sejm saw intense debates during the first reading of a government bill on the status of the closest person in cohabitation agreements. PiS and Confederation politicians spoke of “ideology,” “anarchy,” and a threat to marriage, while ruling coalition members argued it was about “minimum respect and security” for over two million Poles in informal relationships.
Katarzyna Kotula opened the debate, emphasizing the bill was a result of compromise and the “political price” paid by the Left. She stated, “This law takes nothing from anyone, imposes nothing, but gives many a sense of dignity and security.”
PiS: ‘Ideological Unproductive Invention’
Politicians from PiS evaluated the project differently. Marcin Warchoł called it a “fiction of marriage” leading to the “extinction of the nation,” describing partnerships as an “ideologically unproductive invention.” Michał Wójcik spoke of “anarchy,” and Anna Cicholska stressed that “since ancient times, the closest person has been father, mother, and children.”
Rebuke for Offensive Language
A confrontation occurred after Krzysztof Mulawa of the Confederation used the term “deviants.” Deputy Speaker Monika Wielichowska immediately rebuked him, appealing not to “insult people and guests.” She noted, “The words you used are unworthy of a parliamentarian.”
Empty Benches and Sharp Retorts
Responses from right-wing politicians were also sharp. Anna Żukowska from the Left retorted, “Am I ideology? My heart beats, I breathe. I am not ideology, I am a human.” Karolina Pawliczak from KO accused the right of “phobias and complexes,” while Aleksandra Leo from Poland 2050 highlighted hypocrisy, citing multiple divorces among right-wing figures.
Katarzyna Kotula addressed the nearly empty right side of the chamber, expressing concern about the “weak defense of marriage” as lawmakers left after a stormy debate. The bill will now proceed to further parliamentary work.