Nawrocki vetoes amended bill aimed at protecting minors
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed an amended bill intended to address threats of sexual offences and protect minors, marking yet another piece of legislation passed by the pro-EU ruling coalition but blocked by the country’s leader.
The bill, referred to in Poland as 'Lex Kamilek', is named after an 8-year-old boy from the southern city of Czestochowa, who tragically died at the hands of his stepfather in 2023. The incident sent shockwaves across Poland, revealing significant systemic failures and inciting public outrage, which led to the law's proposal in his memory.
However, an amendment to the proposed legislation would have removed the requirement for mandatory double background checks for certain employers. For instance, a sports coach who has already undergone a criminal record check would not need to be re-evaluated by the sports team or school where they are employed.
Additionally, the initiative would have exempted certain professionals, such as police officers, lawyers and legal advisors, from needing specific criminal-record checks, which are typically required for their professions. Individuals invited to supervise school classes alongside teachers would also be exempt from this requirement.
Volunteers and students completing mandatory internships, along with other designated groups, would have been spared the costs associated with these submissions.
If enacted, the bill would have also freed hotel staff from the obligation to require adults to present documents verifying the identity of the children they accompany and confirming their relationship.
Nawrocki's veto on Friday marks yet another decision during his three-week term, following the rejection of the so-called windmill bill, legislation designed to assist Ukrainian refugees and amendments concerning oil and gas reserves — all examples from a longer list of laws he has declined to approve.(PAP)yb/jch
