Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed legislation on Friday, July 17, 2026, that would have introduced registered civil partnerships for non-married couples [1].
The move blocks a significant expansion of legal rights for same-sex couples in Poland, maintaining the current legal status quo regarding domestic partnerships.
Nawrocki rejected two bills [2] that sought to establish cohabitation contracts or civil partnerships. These measures were designed to provide legal recognition and improved rights for couples who are not married, including those of the same sex [1], [2].
In explaining his decision, Nawrocki said the legislation would create a "quasi-marriage" that conflicts with the country's constitution [3]. He said the government must defend the traditional institution of marriage [4].
The president's veto sends the legislation back to the Sejm, the lower house of parliament. For the legislation to become law despite the presidential block, the parliament must achieve a three-fifths majority vote [5].
This legislative clash highlights the ongoing tension between the Polish executive branch and efforts to modernize family law. The bills aimed to bridge the gap in legal protections for partners, but Nawrocki said such a step would undermine traditional structures [3], [4].
“"These bills would create a 'quasi-marriage' that conflicts with the country's constitution."”
The veto reinforces the legal barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals and unmarried couples in Poland, signaling a commitment by the presidency to a conservative interpretation of the national constitution. Because an override requires a high three-fifths threshold, the future of civil partnerships now depends on whether the ruling coalition can maintain a disciplined and substantial majority in the lower house.
