Poland has officially put an end to its last remaining ‘LGBT-free’ zone, marking a major shift in the country’s recent history of LGBTQ+ discrimination.
The final repeal came from the town of Łańcut, which voted to scrap its anti-LGBT resolution that had been in place since 2020.
The anti-LGBT zones were first introduced by members of the Law and Justice Party, also known as PiS. At its peak, over 100 municipalities across the country had adopted the label, effectively declaring their opposition to what they called “LGBT ideology.” This decision led to both domestic protests and international backlash.
One of the driving forces behind the reversal was the financial pressure from the European Commission. Several areas lost EU funding because of their anti-LGBT stance. The loss of these funds appeared to push local governments to rethink their positions. Łańcut’s repeal closes the chapter on these controversial zones, making Poland officially free of them for the first time in years.
The country’s highest administrative court also played a role in dismantling the policy. It ruled that the LGBT-free declarations violated personal rights, including dignity and private life, and had no legal standing in public policy.
Public opinion in Poland seems to be shifting as well. A national survey conducted in 2024 revealed that 67 percent of citizens support same-sex marriage. This rising support reflects a growing openness in Polish society, despite earlier comments from conservative leaders who once claimed that LGBT rights posed a threat to national values.
Poland’s move comes as the European Union continues to push back against anti-LGBTQ+ laws across the region. Both Poland and Hungary have faced legal action from the EU for discriminatory policies. The EU argues that such actions breach basic human rights and run counter to its democratic principles.
With the final repeal in place, LGBTQ+ advocates hope this is more than a symbolic win. Many see it as a sign that change is not only possible but already underway. Poland now has an opportunity to rebuild trust and move toward full inclusion for all its citizens.