Polish president vetoes legalization of civil partnerships

Polish President Andrzej Duda has vetoed a bill that would have legalized civil partnerships, a move that dashes hopes for LGBTQ+ rights advocates in the country. Duda declared his opposition on the platform X, stating, "I have always emphasized that nothing that is quasi-marriage can count on my support."

He explained his decision by asserting that as a guardian of the constitution, he cannot approve a measure that would diminish the special status of traditional marriage. The bill, first introduced in December, aimed to establish a "closest person status," extending rights to unmarried partners, including same-sex couples.

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I have always emphasized that nothing that is quasi-marriage can count on my support.

To mitigate conservative opposition, coalition leaders had stressed that these unions would not necessarily be romantic, but could also exist between neighbors or family members. However, Duda's veto effectively halts this progress. Poland, alongside Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia, remains among the last European nations that have not legalized either same-sex marriage or civil unions.

According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), Poland consistently ranks poorly for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe. The liberal-conservative Civic Coalition (KO), represented by Donald Tusk, had promised to introduce a bill legalizing civil partnerships within its first 100 days in office. However, KO had to form a government with more conservative coalition partners and cooperate with Duda, leading to delays in fulfilling many social promises.

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As a guardian of the constitution, he cannot accept a decision that would lead to the loss of the special status of traditional marriage.