Poland: Last “LGBT Ideology-Free Zone” repealed
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 5:35 AM

The town of Łańcut has officially repealed Poland’s last “LGBT Ideology-Free” zone, ending a five-year period of discriminatory local resolutions that stigmatized and marginalized LGBT people. Introduced by local governments starting in 2019, these zones were declarations pledging to “protect traditional values” by opposing so-called “LGBT ideology.” While not legally binding, the zones encouraged local authorities to cut funding for equality initiatives and created a chilling climate of fear and discrimination. Courts and activists successfully pushed back, and the repeal marks a significant victory for equality and dignity. The Polish experience underscores the dangers of anti-gender rhetoric in Europe, where vaguely defined concepts like “gender ideology” continue to threaten the rights of women and LGBT communities alike.
 
Compiled from: Kyle Knight, “Poland Ends ‘LGBT Free’ Zones,” Human Rights Watch, May 16, 2025.