The number of LGBTQI+ free zones in Poland decreases by "-1".
It was not too long ago that Poland was criticized - among others also in the German media - for its LGBTQI+ free zones. The approximately 100 areas had declared themselves accordingly and thus expressed that the community was not wanted here.
In this context, it is particularly interesting that the zones do not extend evenly across the country, but refer primarily to the areas in which the Catholic faith is particularly strongly represented. Therefore, the (currently still?) most LGBTQI+ free zones can be found mainly in the south of Poland.
The EU had repeatedly reacted with criticism, expressing that it is not compatible with its values if a country (or the municipalities in a country) decide to exclude people on the basis of their sexual orientation. Now the first of the municipalities has reacted and given in to the pressure.
Swietokrzyskie no longer wants to be an LGBTQI+ free zone
Just a few days ago, the administration of the municipality of Swietokrzyskie came together and declared in a meeting that it no longer belongs to the LGbTQI+ free areas. Although this is "only" one municipality so far, many people are touched by this step and chalk it up as a great success on the way to more diversity and equality in the country.
It remains to be seen whether other communities will follow Swietokrzyskie's example. What is certain is that this is certainly a kind of caesura. After all, breaking away from a community of around 100 members in order to make a statement can certainly be regarded as special in Poland, which is largely Catholic.
The question that inevitably arises in this context, however, is: where does the change of heart come from?
Why did Swietokrzyskie decide not to want to be an LGBTQI+ free zone?
As already mentioned, the EU played an important role in connection with the rowing back. The EU not only criticized the behavior of the municipalities concerned, but also declared the action to be a violation of the treaty.
Accordingly, proceedings were initiated against the capital of the country. In an official justification for this, it was stated that Europe will not allow "parts of our society to be stigmatized", including "because of the person they love".
In order to lend weight to the demand for more tolerance, the EU subsequently also decided to suspend the payment of Corona aid to the regions concerned in the country of Poland. The reactions were - obviously - not long in coming.
Why were LGBTQI+ free zones established in Poland?
Many conservative forces within Poland still support LGBTQI+ free zones - mainly because the queer community, or homosexuality, threatens the traditional family image.
Again and again, the term "ideology" is mentioned in this context. In this way, people who belong to the community are stigmatized and excluded. By establishing the corresponding zones, those responsible hoped to better protect the "classic family" and to further emphasize the "normality" ofthe "man-woman relationship".
Even though the municipality of Swietokrzyskie has now rowed back in this regard, there is no question that there is still a long way to go before a rethink takes place in people's minds.
By the way, Vienna is planning a monument for homosexuals.