Poland's president vetoes same-sex marriage laws

Polish President Karol Nawrocki. Photo: Getty Images

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed legislative initiatives that would effectively legalize same-sex unions, describing them as an attempt to create a legal alternative to the traditional family.

Nawrocki stressed that the proposed provisions were not merely a technical simplification of administrative procedures but would establish a new institution closely resembling marriage.

In his view, such bills carry an ideological agenda and are intended to undermine the unique status of the family. The president said he would support only legislation establishing the status of a “close person,” which would address citizens’ practical needs without replicating marital rights.

“Anything that amounts to a quasi-marriage cannot count on my support,” the Polish leader said. He noted that state registration of such unions, together with tax, inheritance, and social benefits, would effectively recreate the “legal core of marriage” under a different name and without the same range of obligations.

The head of state referred to Article 18 of the Polish Constitution, which defines marriage as a union between a woman and a man and places it under the special protection of the republic.

Nawrocki also said the bills were unfair to ordinary families. According to him, partners would receive nearly the same rights as spouses while being able to dissolve their union far more easily – through a simple declaration before a notary, without judicial oversight.

“I do not agree to the introduction of civil partnerships intended to replace or serve as a substitute for the institution of marriage,” the president concluded.

The UOJ previously reported that the Polish president opposes creating alternatives to traditional marriage.

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