The country has long faced accusations of human rights violations, particularly highlighted by rulings from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg regarding the discrimination of same-sex partnerships.
The new government, which succeeded the ultra-conservative populist administration of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, is working to improve the legal status of LGBT individuals in Poland.
A significant step has now been taken toward regulating their rights with the publication of draft laws on registered partnerships, which were released on Friday by the government’s legislative center, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The proposals state that a partnership is formed when two individuals submit mutual declarations of intent to a civil registry office.
Katarzyna Kotula, the Polish Minister for Equality, announced on social media: "It’s official: The draft laws on registered partnerships, which were discussed with nongovernmental organizations, have been sent for public and inter-ministerial consultations. This is a very important day for me, as I hand over the result of many months of work by our entire team."
She added: "This marks a new chapter in the long journey toward equality, which has brought us to this historic moment thanks to the years of effort by many LGBT organizations and civil society. I thank everyone for their support during this time."
The draft law on registered partnerships stipulates that a partnership is formed when two individuals submit mutual declarations of intent to a civil registry office.
Under the proposal, partners will have the option to establish either "a shared property arrangement" or "a separation of property with equalization" through a notarized agreement.
Additionally, the draft states that a partner is entitled to participate in the care and upbringing of a child living with them and under the parental authority of the other partner, unless either parent objects.
(mp/gs)
Source: IAR/PAP/X/@kotulakat
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