Poland has maintained its lowest position in the ranking for the fifth consecutive year, state news agency PAP reported on Wednesday.
The annual ranking, compiled by the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), evaluates the legal, political and social environments for LGBT+ individuals.
This year, Poland’s score slightly improved after meeting 17.5 percent of the annual Rainbow Map’s criteria, up from 15 percent last year.
Despite this improvement, Poland’s score remains the highest since 2019, when the then-governing Law and Justice (PiS) party launched a prolonged anti-LGBT+ campaign, resulting in a significant drop in the country’s ranking.
In December 2023, a more liberal coalition government replaced PiS and pledged to enhance LGBT+ rights. However, no new legislation has been enacted, and any proposed changes could be vetoed by conservative President Andrzej Duda.
"Too many countries across the region are still delaying further legal protection measures and are not renewing their commitments," said Katrin Hugendubel, Advocacy Director at ILGA-Europe.
She added that “this inaction is dangerous” as the absence of adequate legislation leaves minorities, including LGBT+ individuals, vulnerable and unprotected.
Other EU countries with low scores include Romania (19 percent) and Bulgaria (23 percent).
Outside the EU, countries scoring lower than Poland include San Marino (14.5 percent), Monaco (14 percent), Belarus (11 percent), Armenia (9 percent), Turkey (5 percent), Azerbaijan (2 percent), and Russia (2 percent).
In contrast, Malta (88 percent), Iceland (83 percent), Belgium (78.5 percent), Spain (76.5 percent), and Denmark (76.5 percent) topped the ranking.
(mo/gs)
Source: PAP