LGBT rights in Poland
| LGBT rights in Poland | |
|---|---|
Location of Poland (dark green)
– in Europe (light green & dark grey) |
|
| Same-sex sexual activity legal? | Legal. Both male and female never criminalised; legality reconfirmed in 1932 |
| Gender identity/expression | Transgender persons allowed to change legal gender |
| Military service | Gays and lesbians allowed to serve |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation protection in labour code since 2003 (see below) |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships |
No recognition of same-sex relationships. |
|
Restrictions:
|
Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned. |
| Adoption | Same-sex couples are not allowed |
– in Europe (light green & dark grey)
– in the European Union (light green) – [Legend]
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Poland may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Poland, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. Homosexuality was never illegal under Polish law, and Poland was one of the first countries to avoid punishing homosexuality in early modern era. This was formally codified in 1932, and Poland introduced an equal age of consent for homosexuals and heterosexuals, which was set at 15. Poland is one of few countries where sexually active gay and bisexual men are not legally restricted from donating blood. However, there are incidents of discrimination against gay blood donors.
Many left-wing political parties (Alliance of the Democratic Left, Labour Union, Social Democracy, Palikot's Movement and others) support the gay rights movement and are in favour of appropriate changes in legislation. Individual voices of support can also be heard from the liberal right in the Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska).
There was never any anti-homosexual law under a free Polish government (excluding homosexual prostitution 1932–1969).
During the Partitions of Poland (1795–1918) laws prohibiting homosexuality were imposed by the occupying powers. Homosexuality was recognized by law in 1932 with the introduction of a new penal code. The age of consent was set to 15, equal to that of heterosexual partners. Homosexual prostitution was legalized in 1969.
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Wikipedia