Report on Law and Religion in Poland in 2023–2024

Abstract

The article provides an overview of legislative developments and judicial approaches in Poland in 2023–2024. The period was marked by a change of government in 2023, accompanied by declarations of substantial reforms in Church and State relations. An attempt to implement one of these reforms –concerning the status of religious instruction within the school system– generated significant tensions between the State and religious organisations. This not only strained mutual relations but also resulted in the adoption of regulations whose constitutionality has been questioned. Apart from the issue of religious instruction, no other reforms were introduced, including those relating to changes in the system of financing religious organisations and the decriminalisation of the insult to religious feelings.