Poland's Sejm Passes Same‑Sex Partnership Bill, President Nawrocki Vows Veto

The lower house of Poland's parliament (the Sejm) approved a new civil‑partnership law that would grant unmarried couples – including same‑sex partners – a range of rights such as joint property ownership, tax benefits, access to medical information, inheritance tax exemption and burial decisions. The bill passed with 230 votes in favour and 200 against, after a compromise within Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s coalition that balances liberal and conservative positions.

Opposition parties Law and Justice (PiS) and the far‑right Confederation voted against the measure, and five members of the centrist Polish People’s Party (PSL) also opposed it. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where the government holds a majority that can only delay or amend it, not block it. Once passed by both chambers, it will be sent to President Karol Nawrocki, who has publicly said he will veto the bill, arguing it creates an alternative form of marriage.