"Lex Czarnek": New Propaganda Law in Poland
After Russia and Hungary, Poland is now also passing a law officially banning LGBTQI+ topics in schools. Those who violate the said propaganda law will have to fear their dismissal. The so-called "Lex Czarnek" is - according to Education Minister Przemyslaw Czarnek - a power grab of the Polish education system.
The propaganda law not only bans LGBTQI+ content in sex education, but also associations or groups that deal with these issues. Although the government is behind the new law, more and more voices are raised against the "Lex Czarnek". The decision is also viewed critically from the EU side. After all, it is not the first time that Poland is directed against the community and excludes people with a different sexual orientation than it is "the rule".
What does the ban mean for everyday school life?
The educational principle that prevails in schools in Poland is a little different than it is, for example, in Germany. In Poland, one principal or principal is responsible for several schools. The schools in turn are under the supervision of the Polish Ministry of Education.
And that's exactly why they work very closely with the government. The Ministry of Education also decides, among other things, who becomes the principal or principal in the first place. The ban on LGBTQI+ content also limits the choice of candidates enormously. Indeed, it is very likely that only candidates will be considered if they not only comply with the newly enacted propaganda law, but also fully endorse it.
The curriculum and content will be precisely aligned with the applicable requirements. To control this, various associations and organizations are to be used. Afterwards, the lesson plan must be approved by the responsible school management. Accordingly, the corresponding system is closely interlocked and does not allow any "outliers" here. Due to the fact that the state determines the curriculum in this way, it is adapted to the corresponding laws.
Much criticism from the community
After the new propaganda law was passed in Poland, numerous representatives of the LGBTQI+ community spoke out - including on social networks. Many of them were outraged by the law.
Some fear that the gap between the community and the rest of society could become even wider. The sufferers in this context might not be "only" queers, but also children. For: those who cannot inquire about or are not confronted with the diversity of genders and sexualities also find it difficult to develop tolerance towards other sexualities.
The ban may also lead to children and young people being excluded because they have a different sexuality than is taught by the school. This would result in LGBTQI+ members having to hide and not being able to develop freely. It quickly becomes clear that the corresponding changes are far from being just an insignificant propaganda law, but rather a profound cut in the lives of many people.
What long-term effects this propaganda law will have remains to be seen. In any case, the developments are a sign of how much work still lies ahead for supporters and activists of the LGBTQI+ community - not only in Poland, but on closer inspection also worldwide.
States in the EU should also comply with the free EU directives and not deprive its citizens of freedom through laws. Use all the advantages of the EU, but disregard the values of the EU. Such states do not belong in the EU.