During Wednesday’s parliamentary debate on the “closest person” status bill, presidential aide Paweł Szefernaker threatened a veto, while Left-wing MP Magdalena Biejat criticized the government’s refusal to recognize existing non-traditional families.
Government Aide Rejects “Quasi-Marriage” Framework
On Wednesday, May 27, the Sejm held a second reading of the draft law regarding the status of a “closest person” and cohabitation agreements. Ahead of the session, Paweł Szefernaker, Chief of the Cabinet of the President, declared that the proposed regulations constitute de facto civil partnerships, stating there is no consent for such measures from the President.
Szefernaker argued that the bill grants rights currently reserved for marriages, such as joint tax filing. He indicated that the administration will monitor the legislative process, warning that if the underlying philosophy regarding “quasi-marriages” remains, the President will consider further actions.
Biejat: Political Neglect of Real Families
During a press conference in Olsztyn, Deputy Speaker of the Senate Magdalena Biejat highlighted the current legal chaos, noting that while same-sex marriages performed abroad are transcribed in Poland, domestic laws fail to regulate the rights and duties of these couples. She stated the bill is essential to secure the rights of those in such relationships.
Biejat criticized the right-wing’s stance, accusing it of dividing families into “better” and “worse” categories while ignoring the reality that same-sex couples, often raising children, are already part of Polish society. She argued that those who claim to support Polish families cannot afford to ignore these specific households.
Legislative Scope and Social Security
Biejat noted that the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has already begun granting same-sex couples access to certain social benefits—such as family and funeral allowances—based on marriage transcriptions. However, she emphasized that this is insufficient and a comprehensive legal framework is necessary.
The proposed government bill would allow two adults, including same-sex couples, to enter into a notary-registered agreement. This would enable them to manage property, establish maintenance obligations, share housing, and authorize medical information access and representation in daily affairs.
Government Commitment to Equality
During the Sejm debate, Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula argued that the state has long ignored relationships that are nonetheless real. She noted that these couples share mortgages and provide care for one another, yet the state continues to act as if these families do not exist.