Poland moves to recognise same‑sex partnerships with new status law

Poland’s parliament approved a law granting a legal status to ‘close persons’, which is viewed by officials as a first step toward registered same‑sex partnerships. Government spokesperson Katarzyna Kotula said the law is only the beginning and that future legislation could allow adoption within registered partnerships once there is a parliamentary majority. Deputy Prime Minister and Digitalisation Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski signed a regulation introducing three versions of marriage certificates – woman‑man, woman‑woman and man‑man. Prime Minister Donald Tusk apologized to people who felt excluded and noted that recognising same‑sex marriages would not automatically permit child adoption.

A recent Polsat News poll found that 53 % of respondents support President Karol Nawrocki signing the law, while 37 % oppose it. Support is higher among women (59 %) and urban residents, whereas older age groups and rural voters lean more against signing. Educational level also influences opinions, with higher support among those with higher education.