So-called LGBT-free zone are declarations by Polish towns, cities,[1][2] and Voivodeship sejmiks[3] that declare their respective regions as free of LGBT. While symbolic, the declared zones signal exclusion of the LGBT community.[2]

The declarations are a reaction to Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski's signing of declaration supporting LGBTQ rights in February 2019.[3] As of 2019, being openly gay in rural Poland is increasingly difficult due to the efforts of Polish authorities and the Catholic Church.[3]

The Gazeta Polska newspaper issued "LGBT-free zone" stickers to readers.[4] The Warsaw district court ordered that distribution of the stickers should halt pending the resolution of a court case.[5] However Gazeta's editor dismissed the ruling saying it was "fake news" and censorship, and that the paper would continue distributing the sticker.[6]

References

  1. ^ Polish towns advocate ‘LGBT-free’ zones while the ruling party cheers them on, Washington Post, 21 July 2019
  2. ^ a b Why 'LGBT-free zones' are on the rise in Poland, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 27 July 2019
  3. ^ a b c Polish ruling party whips up LGBTQ hatred ahead of elections amid 'gay-free' zones and Pride march attacks, Telegraph, 9 August 2019
  4. ^ Polish newspaper to issue 'LGBT-free zone' stickers, BBC, 18 July 2019
  5. ^ Polish Court Rebukes “LGBT-Free Zone” Stickers, HRW, 1 August 2019
  6. ^ Polish magazine dismisses court ruling on ‘LGBT-free zone’ stickers, Politico, 26 July 2019
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