Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a bill Friday that would have granted same-sex couples rights similar to those in a French PACS civil union. The legislation, approved by Parliament in May, offered a path towards recognizing same-sex partnerships with associated legal protections. This decision effectively ends hopes for civil unions for same-sex couples in Poland, causing significant disappointment within the LGBTQ+ community. Critics argue the veto represents a setback for LGBTQ+ rights in a nation already considered one of the most restrictive in Europe. The “closest person” status, as the bill proposed, would have provided some legal recognition and rights to same-sex partners. The veto underscores the ongoing political and social challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Poland. This action solidifies Poland’s stance against expanding rights for same-sex couples.