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# LGBTQ+ free Polish zone loses €1.7m in funding
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/lgbtq-free-polish-zone-loses-e1-7m-in-funding/
- Published: 2021-02-12T11:11:39.000Z
- Updated: 2021-02-12T10:10:23.000Z
- Description: The Polish region of Podkarpackie has lost €1.7m in European Heritage funding after declaring itself an LGBTQ+ free zone.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, Andrzej Duda, Eu, Helena Dalli, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+ equality, LGBTQ+ rights, Poland

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/polandlgbt600400.png)

The Polish region of **Podkarpackie** has lost €1.7m in European Heritage funding after declaring itself an LGBTQ+ free zone. According to [**Stonewall Poland**](https://www.instagram.com/p/CKyX5EfHFXh/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed), the decision to withdraw the funding, which would have been used to promote the Carpathian mountains (a popular tourist destination), was made by economic organisation, **Norway Grants**. Podkarpackie is now one of a handful of LGBTQ+ free regions in **Poland** which has lost European funding due to its hostility towards queer people, with [six towns being denied money ](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/eu-denies-funding-for-lgbtq-free-polish-towns/)for town twinning.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/poland-lgbt-free-zones-1.jpg)

LGBTQ+ free zones in Poland

In response to international concern over the rising number of LGBTQ+ free zones in Poland, the **European Union** has [added a new clause](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/eu-could-withdraw-polish-funding/) to its funding rules earlier this year, meaning the country could face further financial restrictions if it continues to attack the country’s LGBTQ+ community. The new regulations mean EU countries must show respect for the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, so which refuse to adhere to the principles of gender equality and anti-discrimination could see their projects rejected for EU funding.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/poland-lgbt-rights.jpg)

Poland has shown increased hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community since the re-election of anti-LGBTQ+ president, **Andrzej Duda**, last year, whose discriminatory policies breach the codes laid out in European Charter of Fundamental Rights. There are now over 100 LGBTQ+ free zones in Poland, which have all signed pledges agreeing to ‘oppose acts of tolerance’ towards the queer community. European commissioner for equality, **Helena Dalli**, has condemned the rising hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, saying : *“EU values and fundamental rights must be respected by member states and state authorities.”*