As marchers at Gdansk's ninth annual Pride event waved rainbow Pride flags and transgender flags, they welcomed the new government's pledge to embrace LGBTQ rights. However, they also called for swift action in this regard, Reuters News Agency reported.
After eight years of rule by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, which had previously been accused of inciting homophobia, just in December 2023, a pro-European government led by Donald Tusk took power with a promise of taking care of the LGBTQ+ community.
The ruling coalition had promised to legislate for same-sex civil partnerships in its first 100 days in office, yet equality minister Katarzyna Kotula said last week the government would decide on a joint approach only after European Parliament elections in June.
According to marchers at the Gdańsk Pride event, it’s hopeful to see the new government being more supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. There is still a long way to go before marriage and equal rights are legal, according to some march participants.
"The new government is showing more support, and people will feel safer, but they have to do more," said Maria Malasiewicz, a mathematics student who identifies as asexual and non-binary - neither a man nor a woman.
Monika Chabior, head of social development and equality for the municipality of Gdańsk, said warmer public sentiment toward the LGBTQ+ community was not enough.
Poland is one of five European Union member states that do not recognize any form of same-sex civil partnership, along with Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovakia, writes Reuters.
(aj)
SOURCE: Reuters