It is a shame for the Polish state that it divides citizens into worse and better. I do not understand the arguments of PSL at all – said Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, MEP of the Left, in “Kawa na Ławę”, referring to the dispute within the ruling coalition over the law on civil partnerships. PSL politician Krzysztof Hetman was also asked about his opinion. – Say you're in favor, Scheuring-Wielgus interjected. – But I will say it, please – replied Hetmen, adding that he respects the opinion of his conservative colleagues.
The ruling coalition cannot reach an agreement on the issue of partnerships. The bill was presented by the Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula. It assumes, among others: that a civil partnership is concluded when two people submit consistent declarations of concluding a partnership to the head of the registry office. However, the Polish People's Party, which does not support the one presented by the Left, wants to submit its version of the project.
The topic was discussed by politicians in Sunday's “Kawa na Ławę”.
“Say you're in favor”
– We agreed on certain things that PSL he has been postulating for the last few months. (…) It is a shame for the Polish state that it divides citizens into worse and better. I don't understand PSL's arguments at all, said Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus in the program. – Why do you make it difficult for people to fulfill their love in a relationship? I don't understand it at all, she said.
– Do you know why I don't understand these arguments? – she asked, turning to Krzysztof Hetman, sitting next to her. – Because I think you have a different opinion. I remember how, in the last term of the European Parliament, you voted for a resolution that said that the LGBTQ+ community should be treated in a friendly manner throughout Europe. So let's treat these people as we should, as our equals, she appealed.
– Maybe that's why the MP, my colleague Joanna, doesn't understand that in the Polish People's Party everyone can express their opinion on this matter. And we have different sensitivities, as shown by the statements of my colleagues, replied the PSL politician.
Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus and Krzysztof Hetmana in “Kawa na Ławę”TVN24
When asked what his private opinion was on this issue, he replied that he respected the voice of his conservative party colleagues.
– Say you're in favor. Well, because it's in favor – Scheuring-Wielgus interjected. – But I will tell you, please – replied Hetman.
He said that in his opinion “politicians should not furnish people's lives, but should make their lives easier.” – If we are talking about partnerships or a loved one, life should be made easier like this. And I am convinced that we will be able to do it, he assured.
At the same time, he added that he understood the argument of his colleagues, “which is somewhat correct”, that “if we look at it through the prism of the constitution, we cannot equate marriage with a civil partnership.”
Main photo source: TVN24