Jarosław Kaczyński, chairman of the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, publicly stated that Poland needs to be protected from what he described as the "pathological spread of homosexuality." He emphasized that same-sex parenting should be criminalized and face severe penalties, reflecting the party's longstanding opposition to LGBT rights.

Kaczyński's comments were made during a press conference in response to the Polish government's recent regulation allowing the transcription of same-sex marriages performed in other EU countries into Poland's civil registry, a decision mandated by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

In his speech, Kaczyński implied that recognizing foreign same-sex marriages was an attempt to instigate significant cultural changes that prioritize the needs of a minority while disregarding traditional family structures. "Children will pay for this," he warned. "Ultimately, it is about the children's interests. Children should have a mother and a father."

He went on to question whether any state would have an interest in the spread of homosexuality, firmly asserting, "Poland has no interest in this either.” He framed homosexuality as an "anomaly" and "pathology of our times," which necessitates a resolute defense from Polish society.

Kaczyński's remarks have provoked backlash. Deputy Education Minister Paulina Piechna-Więckiewicz responded, stating that phrases like "pathology" are harmful and dehumanizing to the nearly 50,000 children being raised in LGBT families in Poland. She stressed the importance of ensuring that all families feel safe and accepted in society.

The remarks also coincide with legal developments, as opposition groups are pushing to ban same-sex couples from adopting children, claiming it’s a measure to “protect the youngest from depravity.” However, extensive research conducted by top scientific and medical organizations refutes claims that children raised in same-sex households are at a higher risk of harm.

Kaczyński's history of using inflammatory rhetoric against the LGBT community aligns with broader trends in Eastern Europe, where similar sentiments have gained traction as part of a nationalistic agenda. His party's legacy includes a vigorous campaign against what it terms "LGBT ideology," which they argue poses a threat to traditional Polish values.

The ongoing tension over LGBT rights in Poland not only reflects the country's cultural climate but also poses challenges in its relationship with the European Union, which advocates for equality and non-discrimination.