Poland's parliament passed a law on Friday introducing registered civil partnerships, though the legislation's future remains uncertain after right-wing conservative President Karol Nawrocki announced he would refuse to sign it.
The law is part of a package of reforms promised by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centre-left coalition when it took office.
Under the legislation, two adults would be able to enter into a contract before a solicitor. Once registered at a registry office, both partners would be able to choose their property arrangements and set maintenance obligations.
They would also have the right to use a shared home, access their partner's medical information and act as their partner's authorized representative.
Polish law continues to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The interior minister recently instructed registry offices, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, that they must recognize same-sex marriages contracted abroad.
The registered civil partnership would also apply to same-sex couples. However, the right-wing conservative opposition Law and Justice party (PiS) has strongly opposed the measure. President Nawrocki also comes from the PiS camp.
Following the parliamentary vote, Nawrocki said he would not sign any law that provided an alternative to marriage. "I am the guardian of the constitution. The constitution expressly states that marriage is a union between a man and a woman," he said.
