Polish Senate passes law to register same‑sex civil unions, awaiting president's decision

The Senate of Poland approved a bill that would allow two adults, regardless of gender, to enter into a civil partnership contract before a notary. The legislation was adopted with 55 votes in favor and 29 against, after the lower house passed it earlier with 230 votes for and 198 against.

The new law would grant registered partners rights such as mutual alimony obligations, shared housing entitlement, access to each other's medical information, and the ability to act as each other's legal representative. It also provides for joint wills and other civil‑law arrangements.

The bill now proceeds to President Karol Nawrocki, who has 21 days to sign, veto, or refer the act to the Constitutional Tribunal. Nawrocki has previously stated he will not endorse measures that function as alternatives to marriage, citing the constitution, even though a recent poll shows 53 % of Poles support the legislation.