Poland to Introduce Civil Partnership Law

While same sex relationships here in Virginia receive less legal recognition than those of the relationships between individuals and their pets, Poland is poised to see a civil partnership law introduced by the ruling party (the bill's author is pictured).   Needless to say, the Roman Catholic Church is incensed - which is a good thing.  It is far past time that Poland end the Church's meddling in secular, civil law matters.  It will be interesting to see how the bill fares and, if it is enacted, it will be another powerful sign that another former bastion of Catholicism is moving to embrace the future and equality rather than remaining enslaved to backward thing and religious sanctioned discrimination.  One can only ponder when the hell the United States - the falsely self-style land of liberty and religious freedom - will catch up with more and more countries in the world that actually delivery freedom.  The Advocate has details on the development in Poland and here are some highlights:

The center-right ruling party in Poland, Platforma Obywatelska, is planning to introduce a law recognizing civil partnerships for same-sex couples, reports GayStarNews. The proposed legislation would offer many of the same legal rights to same-sex couples afforded by marriage, including inheritance, pension funds, notary and medical rights. Notably lacking from the bill, however, are adoption, citizenship rights, and joint tax benefits.

Radio One reports the bill will be formally introduced next week in Poland's Parliament. The introduction has surprised many, since last year the PO opposed a similar relationship recognition bill presented by the Democratic Left Alliance party.

The bill is being met with fierce opposition in the staunchly Catholic nation. Opponents, who label civil partnerships "psuedo-marriage," warn that the legislation will undermine the institution of marriage.

Poland's constitution defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman, but the Eastern European country has made strides toward LGBT inclusion in recent years. In 2011, Poland elected its first openly transgender politician, Member of Parliament Anna Grodzka. In 2010, Poland hosted its first EuroPride gay pride festival.

That's right, opponents of the bill are offering up the same old tired lie used by the National Organization for Marriage as justification for their bigotry.  Let's be honest.  The opposition stems from religious based hate and bigotry and the bill's opponents need to be called out for what they really are all about.