Poland’s left introduces bill on same-sex partnerships

The bill has wide-ranging implications, covering such matters as the right to communal property, joint taxation and inheritance following the death of a partner.

“We think it is high time that Poland joined those European states where civil partnerships are possible,” said Katarzyna Pajak, vice leader of SLD.

“In my opinion, public opinion is already prepared for such solutions that really tackle the regulation of inheritance or administrative law,” she claimed.

The draft bill does not specify whether the proposals concern partners of the same sex. But the effect of the prospective law would not discriminate, barring some fundamental provisos.

For example, those wishing to take legal steps to be part of a civil partnership must be at least eighteen years old.

The signing of such a union would be conducted by a notary.

Meanwhile, happenings in Warsaw, Krakow and other cities are due to take place this afternoon under the banner of International Day Against Homophobia.

Since the collapse of the Iron Curtain, a visible gay scene has become increasingly apparent in Poland, particularly in the major cities. However, the developments have proved something of a shock to some sections of Polish society.

The novelty of tolerance parades prompted a backlash from certain circles, and police invariably have to accompany marching activists.

A survey conducted by CBOS in 2010 suggested that 79 percent of the Polish population are against same sex marriages. However, 37 percent of respondents held that citizens of the same sex had the right engage in carnal relations with each other. (nh/pg)