Dominican Father Pawel Guzynski observes a change of mood in Polish society © tomertu (shutterstock)
Polish Dominican priest and sociologist Pawel Guzynski observes a sharp change in the social mood in Poland. The ruling PiS party is setting the direction in this process.
"The tone against gays and lesbians in public is getting tougher," Dominican Father Guzynski said in "Spiegel" interview. "We've enjoyed an increasingly liberal climate in Poland in recent years, but that's about to change."
In his view, parts of the Polish ruling party PiS and the hierarchy of the Catholic Church are partly responsible for this. "Operators and audience of the Catholic station 'Radio Maryja' and the PiS form a political alliance, they now speak with one voice against the lesbian and gay community," Guzynski said.
PiS ruling party as protector of Catholic values
PiS wants to secure the votes of traditionally minded voters ahead of the upcoming elections, the sociologist explained. "PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski sets the tone. Some bishops join in."
In the opinion of the religious, many in the Church see the PiS as the only protector of Catholic values and the position of the Church. "One could get the impression that Kaczynski is the true Primate of Poland."The party leader acts 50 percent out of conviction and 50 percent out of "cynical power calculation".
Avoid discrimination against sexual minorities
In addition, Polish culture distinguishes between good and evil, heaven and hell, angels and devils, even in politics. Guzynski described himself as a "moderate critic of social modernization when it comes to the family and sexual morality". But sexual minorities should not be discriminated against. The task of the state is to ensure that all groups live together peacefully, the religious said.
In contrast, the church should initiate a debate on the ethical ies, but not engage in a political debate.