Poland Considers Civil Partnerships

Poland's ruling party has announced its plan to introduce a civil partnerships bill.

After several months of discussion, the PO [Platforma Obywatelska] decided last week to put to the vote a draft bill in both chambers of the Polish parliament, the Sejm and Senate. The proposed draft bill of registered civil partnership is similar the current French Pacte civil de solidarité (PACS). The bill includes a range of benefits which currently are only granted to married heterosexual couples, including protections and responsibilities, inheritance, pension funds, notary, and medical rights. Joint tax benefits and adoption rights are not included in the bill. The PO is the country's largest party and its intention to put the draft bill to the vote surprised many political commentators as the party opposed last year in a parliamentary vote a similar draft bill introduced by left wing parties.

The bill faces fierce opposition from the usual groups, but the PO may have the necessary votes to push it through by themselves. Poland currently offers no recognition to LGBT couples.