Ep 33: Kaja Bryx, Catholic nationalism in Poland

In this episode Emma Park speaks to Kaja Bryx, president of the Polish Rationalist Association, about the influence of the Catholic Church and the religious right in Poland.

Last year, the traditionalist Law and Justice party (PiS) was elected to its second term as the leading party in the right-wing coalition government. In July 2020, Andrzej Duda, a former member of PiS, was elected to his second term as president.

Kaja and Emma discuss the impact that party and president have had upon legislation, education and public life in Poland.

They consider the privileges already granted to the Catholic Church in its post-Communist agreement with Poland, and whether these are likely to be reinforced under the current administration. They look at the perilous state of LGBT-inclusive education in schools, the current restrictions on women's reproductive rights, and the different views held about them in Poland. They also discuss what the Polish Rationalist Association has been doing to counter the influence of Catholic organisations.

Emma also joined by Aleksandra Myslek, an NSS council member, to discuss the NSS's latest submissions to the UN on Poland and the impact of the Catholic Church on children's education. Aleks, who is a professional pianist, has also kindly provided the music for this episode.

Follow Emma on Twitter: @DrEmmaPark

Watch this episode on YouTube | Direct MP3 Link | Transcripts

Notes

• Modern Day Crusaders in Europe: Report by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights
• Family, faith, flag: The religious right and the battle for Poland's soul – The Guardian
• Polish Rationalist Association

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