Poland made a landmark move for LGBTQ+ rights after it banned hate speech against sexual orientation and gender in a new set of regulations.Currently, the countrys laws prohibit hate speech on the basis of race, religion, and ethnicity. These provisions do not provide sufficient protection for all minority groups who are particularly vulnerable to discrimination, prejudice and violence, the national justice ministry said. Related Polish state TV anchor issues extraordinary on-air public apology to LGBTQ+ people After years of government persecution, the move was unprecedented. The new regulations aim to more fully implement the constitutional prohibition of discrimination and to meet international recommendations on standards of protection against hate speech and hate crimes, the ministry added. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The United Nations Human Rights Council has previously criticized the countrys lack of hate crime protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.Prime Minister Donald Tusk approved the new legislation. It now moves on to Parliament. If Parliament passes it, President Andrzej Duda will have the option to sign it into law or pass it. He has previously stated that he believes LGBTQ+ individuals are evil.However, Dudas final presidential term ends next year, and the ruling party hopes they can get someone to replace him in time to sign the legislation into law.Bart Straszewski, an LGBTQ+ activist in Poland, told PinkNews, I felt like a second-category citizen, and we were treated like second-category citizens. The government is telling you that you dont deserve equal rights, that you are not creating families, and that you are an agent of the West trying to fight family values or tradition. The atmosphere was hostile. We felt that they didnt want us here, but we still were here, we still were fighting for our country because we are part of it, Straszewski added.Poland previously has not been friendly to LGBTQ+ rights. During the Law and Justice (PiS) partys time in power, the country became one of the most viciously anti-LGBTQ+ countries in Europe. Cities designated themselves LGBT-free zones and government-run media outlets regularly demonized and spread lies about the queer community. Gay reporters were fired from publications as part of the national purge.However, advocates have been working tirelessly to grant protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. A TV anchor apologized this year for his past anti-LGBTQ+ statements and came out in support of the community. Activists also rejoiced when the Polish Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is not illegal, per Polands Constitution.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.