Poland elects first openly gay MP

The composition of the new parliament will also include Poland's first transsexual MP, Anna Grodzka, as we reported on Monday.

Biedron, 35, stood as a candidate for the liberal, anti-clerical Palikot Movement, as did Ms Grodzka, the new party which won a surprise ten percent share of the vote nationwide.

The gay rights activist will take up one of the seats for the city of Gdynia, northern Poland.

Biedron managed to gain the support of 16,919 voters in his constituency. Although he was outdone by candidates from other parties, Biedron will enter parliament through Poland's system of proportional representation, as he was the leading local candidate for the Palikot Movement.

The newly-elected MP told the Gazeta Wyborcza daily that his success was “a sign that we are a different society now, open and tolerant.

Nevertheless, Biedron is due to stand trial for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Warsaw on 11 November, 2010, Poland's Independence Day.

Biedron reportedly became involved in a scuffle with police during a march by the ultra-right, All Polish Youth association.

He could face a year's imprisonment if found guilty of the assault. (nh/pg)