By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The last Polish local authority with an anti-LGBT+ resolution, Łańcut county, has repealed its “charter of family rights” to avoid losing €175,600 in EU funding. This follows the withdrawal of over 100 similar resolutions across Poland, primarily due to the threat of losing European Union funds. The repeal is welcomed by LGBT+ activists, though they note the resolutions should never have existed. The resolutions, many passed under the previous national-conservative government, were deemed discriminatory by the EU.
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Poland’s last remaining local authority with an anti-LGBT+ resolution has finally repealed the measure. This marks a significant turning point in a years-long struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The repeal, by the council in Łańcut, signifies the complete removal of these discriminatory resolutions across Poland.
The decision, made by a 13-18 vote, was explicitly driven by financial concerns. The county’s medical center stood to lose €175,600 in EU funding due to the presence of the resolution, a “charter of family rights” adopted in 2019. Local authorities clearly stated that the repeal was solely intended to secure these vital funds, essential for the community of over 80,000 residents.
The “charter,” like many others passed between 2019 and 2020, didn’t explicitly mention LGBT people. Instead, it promoted marriage as solely between a man and a woman, and vowed to protect children from what it termed “moral corruption”—language frequently used in anti-LGBT rhetoric. Despite the council’s claim that the charter contained no discriminatory provisions and criticizing the “aggressive” and “unfair” criticism it received, its repeal is undeniably a victory for LGBTQ+ rights activists.
The wave of anti-LGBT+ resolutions, numbering over 100 at their peak, had declared numerous regions “LGBT-free zones.” The existence of these resolutions highlighted a deeply concerning level of discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Poland. The repeal of the Łańcut charter signals the end of this particularly visible form of systemic discrimination. The efforts of activists, who meticulously mapped these resolutions, played a crucial role in exposing and ultimately dismantling them.
The EU’s role in this positive development cannot be overstated. The threat of losing funding, due to a violation of EU non-discrimination laws, proved to be a powerful lever for change. The European Commission’s legal action, and the subsequent suspension of funding for regions with anti-LGBT+ resolutions, created significant pressure on local authorities to repeal these discriminatory measures. This highlights how external pressure, combined with domestic activism, can impact local policies.
The majority of these resolutions were passed with support from Poland’s national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party. During their time in power, the PiS party waged a highly publicized campaign against what they labeled “LGBT ideology” and “gender ideology,” contributing to Poland’s ranking as the worst EU nation for LGBTQ+ people. The current, more liberal coalition government, while promising improved LGBT+ rights including same-sex civil partnerships and stronger hate speech protections, has yet to deliver on these promises due to internal divisions and resistance from the PiS-aligned president.
While the repeal of all anti-LGBT+ resolutions in Poland is undeniably positive news, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the fight for full equality is far from over. The underlying societal biases and discrimination remain. The swift shift, however, from widespread adoption of these resolutions to their complete eradication demonstrates the effectiveness of concerted action and the power of international pressure in promoting human rights. The episode serves as a valuable lesson in the ongoing struggle for LGBT rights, showcasing both the challenges and the potential for significant progress. The complete elimination of these discriminatory resolutions should be celebrated, but the fight for full and unwavering equality continues.