Polish President Karol Nawrocki delays decision on civil‑partnership law

President Karol Nawrocki has not yet announced whether he will sign or veto the bill granting "status of the closest person" to partners in a notarial civil‑union. The law, passed by the Senate and approved by a majority in the Sejm, would allow adult couples to register a contract granting rights such as joint property regimes, alimony obligations, shared residence and access to medical information.

On Wednesday the president met with PSL MP Urszula Pasławska, a co‑author of the bill, in a "last‑chance" discussion at the Presidential Palace. Pasławska said the meeting was constructive and noted that the president’s advisers are more critical of the measure than the president himself. No final decision was disclosed, and the president indicated he still has about two weeks before a deadline to act.

Government equality envoy Katarzyna Kotula emphasized that the legislation is a step toward broader partnership rights, including future possibilities for registered partnerships and adoption for same‑sex couples. The bill is seen as a compromise between various political factions and aligns with rulings of the EU Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights, which require Poland to recognize certain rights for same‑sex partners.