Poland blocks debate on gay civil partnerships
The Polish Parliament has voted against having a debate on the regulation of gay and straight civil partnerships.
The Polish Sejm rejected the proposal, put forward by the Democratic Left Alliance, meant that same-sex couples in civil partnerships would be able to pay income tax jointly, the right to inheritance, and social security benefits as a result of a death.
The bill will now most likely be shelved, however, as MPs overwhelmingly voted against discussions on the matter.
Just 146 MPs voted for, with 215 voting against. 24 abstained and 75 were not present.
The proposal was submitted in January 2013, and despite the bill being delayed, the Democratic Left Alliance said the party would submit a motion on a discussion of it.
Gay rights groups have criticised the motion being dropped, stating that Polish people want a law to formalise same-sex unions.
