On Friday, May 29, the Polish Sejm passed a bill establishing the status of “next of kin” for cohabiting couples, though President Karol Nawrocki has declared he will not sign it into law.
Parliamentary Vote and Provisions
The Sejm passed the bill on Friday with 230 votes in favor and 198 against, with one abstention. Despite opposition from PiS, Konfederacja, and other groups, the majority approved the legislation alongside three clarifying amendments submitted by the Left.
The bill allows two adults to register a cohabitation agreement at a notary office. This enables parties to manage joint property, access medical information, establish alimony obligations, and act as legal representatives in daily matters.
Presidential Objections and Ideology
President Karol Nawrocki stated he would not sign any legislation that serves as an alternative to marriage, which he defines as a union between a man and a woman under the Constitution. He expressed a willingness to support legislation that helps citizens with formal matters without imposing “ideological pressure.”
Paweł Szefernaker, head of the Presidential Cabinet, echoed this sentiment, arguing that the bill creates “quasi-marriages.” He warned that the administration views the legislation as a stepping stone toward same-sex marriage and adoption, confirming that there is currently no presidential consent for such legal changes.
Government Response
Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the President’s stance, stating that the bill is not a radical measure but a practical effort to facilitate the daily lives of both heterosexual and homosexual couples. He expressed frustration with the President’s unpredictability regarding legislation.