Long known as one of the European countries least friendly to gay rights under its previous right-wing government, Poland has seen some progress under the current ruling coalition. While stopping short of sanctioning same-sex marriage, the government has approved a bill allowing for notarized “cohabitation contracts” that can cover housing rights, joint tax filing, and access to health insurance and information similar to the rights granted to traditional marriage. Any two people can enter into such contracts regardless of sex or even sexual involvement. While some gay activists are disappointed in anything short of the same status accorded heterosexual couples, others lament that the drive for marriage equality in most Western countries has eliminated other forms of civil partnerships like this one.
“Cohabitation” in Poland
