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Poles support same-sex civil unions: poll findings

29.10.2024 12:33
The majority of Poles favor legalizing registered partnerships, although opinions are deeply divided, with strong support from ruling-party voters and resistance from opposition supporters.
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A United Surveys poll conducted by IBRiS for DGP and RMF FM shows that 54.3% of respondents believe it would be beneficial to introduce civil unions into Polish law.

This change would allow two adults to enter into a legal partnership by making a declaration before the head of the civil registry office.

As a result, couples would gain rights such as inheritance, burial arrangements, access to medical information, joint property ownership or sharing the same surname.

According to Tuesday’s report, 33.8% of respondents answered "definitely yes" to the proposal. Meanwhile, 41.9% oppose it, with 26.2% selecting "definitely no" and 3.8% remaining undecided.

Among voters for the ruling party, 94.1% support the idea, with 60.3% responding "definitely yes." In contrast, opposition supporters largely reject the proposal, with 84.2% expressing a negative view, including 51.1% who chose "definitely no."

What is civil union?

A civil union (or civil partnership) is a legally recognized relationship between two individuals that grants them similar rights and responsibilities as marriage, typically including benefits related to inheritance, taxation, and medical decision-making, without being classified as a marriage.

A few days ago, a bill proposing registered partnerships was submitted for public and interdepartmental consultation in Poland, allowing two individuals to establish such a partnership by making a declaration before the head of the civil registry office.

The law, authored by Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula, would grant partners rights to medical information, burial arrangements, inheritance, joint property ownership, and the ability to raise children from previous relationships, while also permitting same-sex couples to enter into these partnerships; however, the bill does not include provisions for adoption.

Source: IAR/DGP/PAP

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