His remarks came after the Court of Justice of the European Union on Tuesday ruled in a case involving a Polish couple, that a member state must recognise a same-sex marriage legally concluded in a different member country, even if its own law does not recognise same-sex marriages.
'EU can't pressure us to do anything'
Speaking to reporters before Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, Tusk said same-sex marriages were a hotly disputed topic, not only in Poland, but he wanted to reassure everyone that "the EU can't pressure us to do anything."
The prime minister asked Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to collect information about the consequences of the top EU court's ruling.
Tusk added that the Polish parliament was working on a bill on civil partnerships that would regulate these issues "in a way that the majority of Poles, through a parliamentary majority, will decide is appropriate."
The prime minister said it was not the first time Poland faced "a challenge posed by the verdict and interpretation emanating from the European court."
Tusk added that the government would "make sure Poland has a strong position in Europe, which also entails respecting tribunals," but at the same time abide by national law wherever it takes priority.
The prime minister stressed that the issue concerned people living in same-sex marriages in other EU countries.
He said Poland would "treat them with the utmost respect but also in line with Polish law," when they visit their home country.
The civil partnerships bill was tabled by the agrarian Polish People's Party (PSL) and the Left in mid-October.
It regulates financial matters, as well as the right to lodging and alimony and access to medical information.
Parties to the partnership are free to decide its contents.
According to PSL MP Urszula Pasławska, the bill excludes "worldview issues," covers "various sensibilities," excludes issues such as child adoption and custody, and "doesn't affect the institution of marriage in any way."
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP