LGBT Rights In Poland
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. However, homosexuality was never illegal under Polish law. This was formally codified in 1932, when an equal age of consent for homosexuals and heterosexuals was set at 15. Poland is one of few countries where homosexuals are allowed to donate blood however there are incidents of discrimination against gay blood donors.
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. Gay people are not banned from military service. Homosexuality was deleted from the list of diseases in 1991. 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 favor of appropriate changes in legislation. Individual voices of support can also be heard from the liberal right in the Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska, currently in power) and Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, opposition). They include the former president of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek from PO, Janusz Palikot, MP, Lublin, and Michał Kamiński, MEP, PiS. However, both PO and PiS (the two largest parties), are generally against any new LGBT legislation. In October 2011, Poland elected its first openly gay member of parliament Robert Biedroń, as well as its first transsexual MP, Anna Grodzka. Grodzka is currently the only transgender MP in the world.
Read more about LGBT Rights In Poland: Recognition of Same-sex Relationships, Discrimination Protections, Social Attitudes and Public Opinion, Living Conditions, Summary Table
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