Law

The first attempt to introduce a civil partnership law in Poland took place 22 years ago. In that time, an entire generation has been born, grown up, and gained the right to vote — and yet, despite political promises, nothing has changed. To this day, our country has no legal framework that guarantees protection and security for same-sex couples. Millions of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people living in relationships, building families in which an estimated 50,000 children are being raised, are tired of waiting! And not only them. LGBT+ people do not live in isolation! Their families, friends, neighbors, and...

The Crowns of Equality are considered one of the most prestigious awards in Poland for work in support of the LGBT+ community. Decide who will receive this year’s awards – your vote counts until September 22 at www.koronyrownosci.pl. Meet the nominated individuals and groups: ⭐ Activism: Kuba Gawron; Stowarzyszenie Tolerado; Queerowy Garwolin. ⭐ Institutions: Alina Szeptycka (Wrocław City Hall); Department for Equal Treatment; Municipal Cultural Center in Olsztyn. ⭐ Law: Paweł Marcisz and Marcin Górski (case Szypuła and Others v. Poland); Artur Pietryka, Dorota Pudzianowska and Marcin Górski (case Formela and Others v. Poland). ⭐ Politics: Joanna Senyszyn; Katarzyna Kotula;...

Today, ILGA-Europe published its Rainbow Map & Index, ranking 49 countries based on how well they protect the human rights of LGBT+ people. Poland ranked 39th – still one of the lowest in Europe, but no longer the very last country in the European Union. Malta again came first, followed by Belgium and Iceland. Countries like Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey scored the lowest overall. For the first time in five years, Poland is no longer in the last place among EU countries. However, the country’s legal framework and law enforcement practices regarding the human rights of LGBT+ people remain among...

At today’s Council session, the Łańcut County repealed the last discriminatory Local Government Family Rights Charter. Six years after the first resolution targeting the LGBT+ community was introduced, the last one has finally fallen. This marks the end of a dark chapter in the history of Polish local governance — a time when open discrimination against LGBT+ individuals in public life was possible. One-Third of Poland’s Territory Covered by “Zones” In 2019, in response to the LGBT+ Declaration adopted by the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, numerous municipalities, counties, and even provinces passed anti-LGBT resolutions. These included the resolutions against...

2024 was an impactful year for LGBT+ rights in Poland, especially because of the game-changing elections in 2023. It was a year of progress, advocacy, and collaboration across politics, law, community support, and business. Here is our look back at what happened! Politics Amendments to the Criminal Code Reached Parliament KPH, together with other organizations working for LGBT+ people, met with Adam Bodnar and Krzysztof Śmiszek to talk about the need for changes to the Criminal Code regarding crimes and hate speech. Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar apologized to the LGBT+ community for the harm done by the country. The...

Polish law still does not provide effective protection against hate crimes and hate speech — anyone can become a victim, and the lack of appropriate regulations amounts to tacit approval of violence and discrimination. After years of tolerating homophobia and transphobia, supported by the previous government and public media, amending the Criminal Code is necessary to ensure the safety of LGBT+ individuals and restore basic legal standards in Poland. On December 19, during a press conference in the Sejm, a joint statement on this matter was presented by 37 civil society organizations — acting as the Coalition for Equal Opportunities...