The 15 October coalition, comprising the Civic Coalition (KO), the Third Way, and the Left, has held power for almost six months. However, their joint political action is no longer as exciting as it was right after the elections. KO has not fulfilled its promise of delivering "100 solutions in 100 days", and Szymon Hołownia has temporarily blocked progress on a law regarding legal abortion. Additionally, the Left is making too many concessions to satisfy its voters.

Despite this, the Sejm is actively working on many projects that are of significant importance to the LGBT community. Politicians are working closely with activists on a law regarding civil partnerships, and an amendment to the Penal Code that will lead to prison sentences for discrimination based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation is expected to come into effect soon. This is a significant change for queer people who the state has not previously protected.

However, the extreme Catholic organisation Ordo Iuris wants to prevent these changes. The association has been sending letters to Poles, aiming to scare them with the prospect of "gender censorship" and calling on President Andrzej Duda to veto the bill.

"It’s happening. The Government Legislation Centre has published the official draft of the censorship law. Three years imprisonment for spreading truths inconvenient to gender ideologists and LGBT activists," reads the beginning of the Ordo Iuris email. The organisation is referring to the amendment of the Penal Code, which will include crimes based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation in the law, just as it details crimes committed against a person's race.

"The message is clear - if we don't take action NOW, 2024 will go down in history as the year when gender censorship was initiated in Poland. It is time to start the ultimate fight for free speech in our country," stated Jerzy Kwaśniewski, the CEO of Ordo Iuris, urging people to take action.

The organisation warns that under the changes proposed by Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, "ordinary people, proclaiming normal views" will be able to be sent to prison for statements such as:

• "Gender is predetermined and cannot be changed,"
• "There are two sexes,"
• "Gender is a biological fact and not a matter of choice,"
• "Transsexualism [the correct term is 'transgender' - ed. note] is a gender identity disorder,"
• "Cutting off breasts and genitals of teenagers is an irreversible mutilation of their bodies,"
• "Homosexual acts are sinful".

Ordo Iuris adds that it is highly motivated and plans to address MPs and senators, demanding the rejection of the proposed law.

Source: natemat.pl