The dispute began after LGBT activist Bart Staszewski challenged Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Janusz Kowalski on Twitter following Kowalski’s reaction to the Black Eyed Peas wearing rainbow bands during a televised New Year’s Eve appearance on TVP. Publicist Rafał Ziemkiewicz stepped in to defend the politician. The exchange escalated into a heated argument about alleged LGBT-free zones, and Staszewski threatened Ziemkiewicz with a lawsuit.
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The New Year’s Eve Controversy
The New Year’s Eve broadcast in Zakopane, traditionally organized by TVP, stirred strong feelings this year for reasons different from the usual debates. The lineup shifted as the Black Eyed Peas took the stage in place of Mel C, and some onlookers interpreted the rainbow bracelets worn by the band as a political statement. This drew criticism from members of Solidarna Polska who viewed the symbolism unfavorably.
Comments on social media framed the moment as a clash over representation and media messaging, with one government official labeling the display as a problematic form of promotion. The tone of the discussion reflected broader tensions surrounding LGBT visibility and its portrayal on national television.
– wrote Secretary of State Janusz Kowalski on Twitter.
From Janusz Kowalski to LGBT
What Kowalski posted on New Year’s Eve drew a rapid reply the following day from LGBT activist Bartosz “Bart” Staszewski, who has been outspoken about alleged LGBT-free zones in Poland. The online exchange touched on personal finances and career histories, with Staszewski suggesting Kowalski had accrued substantial earnings from state-linked enterprises, including PGNiG, while implying a broader critique of perceived public service privileges.
Staszewski wrote on Twitter.
The publicist Rafał Ziemkiewicz responded to the post, framing the debate around alleged foreign funding of anti-government narratives and calling for accountability for what he described as slander against the nation. He indicated a desire for a future where individuals criticized in online discourse face social consequences rather than universal acceptance.
For the alleged gross slander, Staszewski announced intent to pursue legal action in court.
Staszewski asserted that there were municipalities in Poland that restricted LGBT rights as part of a broader global narrative, and he claimed to have evidence, including discussions tied to scholarships. Ziemkiewicz offered his own perspective on the matter in response.
He will seek judicial clarification on the matter in due course, Staszewski stated.
Ziemkiewicz commented further.
The exchange included Staszewski claiming the existence of places in Poland that ban LGBT individuals and asserting that he had brought attention to these issues in public discourse.
The UN World Tourism Organization later highlighted a list of 32 exemplary tourist villages worldwide, noting Istebna as a location where a court reportedly addressed an LGBT-free zone issue. This reference was used to illustrate that such zones remain a topic of debate beyond Poland.
May may signal a forthcoming court session if Staszewski proceeds with the lawsuit against Ziemkiewicz, with observers hoping for a clear, rational resolution.
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yes/Twitter
Source: wPolityce