THE PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL RIGHTS OF HUSBAND AND WIFE

Abstract

Article 23 sentence 1 of the Polish Family and Guardianship Code (the FGC) of 1964 emphasises that spouses have equal rights and obligations in marriage. This regulation is commonly understood as establishing the principle of equality between a wife and a husband in Polish family law. That principle has its foundations in international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides that men and women are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage, and at its dissolution. After the enactment of the Polish Constitution of 1997, the principle of equality between a husband and a wife derives directly from Article 32(1) and Article 33(1). It constitutes a basic element of the institutional guarantee of marriage which cannot be altered by ordinary legislation. The aim of this article is to discuss how the principle of equality of spouses ought to be understood and correctly applied under Polish family law. It should also be considered whether Polish law on marriage provides exceptions from the rule of equality between spouses and, if so, whether they are justified. Furthermore, it can be argued that Article 23 sentence 1 of the Family and Guardianship Code stipulates not only the fundamental principle of Polish law, but also grants each of the spouses a subjective right to be treated equally in the relationship by the other person. It should be analysed what exactly this right entails. There is no doubt that one spouse has neither more rights nor responsibilities in the marriage than the other. However, a properly understood right to equal treatment should also mean that one spouse cannot demand the other to perform specific functions and roles.