Faith and Politics : Religion as a Political Tool in Polish Political Discourse on Immigration, Women’s Rights and LGBTQ+ Issues (2019 vs. 2023)

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines the use of religion as a political tool in Polish political discourse during the parliamentary elections of 2019 and 2023. The study focuses on how political parties used religious values, Catholic symbolism, and references to Christianity in discussions concerning immigration, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ communities. The research analyses the programmes and selected public statements of major Polish political parties, including Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (PiS), Koalicja Obywatelska (KO), Lewica, Konfederacja, and Polska 2050.The thesis applies a qualitative comparative content analysis in order to identify patterns, differences, and developments in political discourse between the two election periods. The theoretical framework is based primarily on the concepts of instrumentalization of religion and religious nationalism, supported by Social Identity Theory and theories concerning religion as a social institution. These approaches help explain how religion can function not only as a system of belief, but also as a political and cultural resource used to legitimise policy positions, mobilise voters, and strengthen national identity.The findings demonstrate that religion remained highly significant within Polish politics throughout both elections, although its political role evolved between 2019 and 2023. Conservative parties, particularly PiS and Konfederacja, frequently connected Catholic values with national identity, traditional family structures, and moral order. Religion was used to justify restrictive positions on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration, often framing these issues as threats to Polish culture and Christian civilisation. In contrast, liberal and leftwing parties such as KO and Lewica promoted more secular approaches centred on individual rights, democratic freedoms, and institutional separation between church and state.The analysis also reveals increasing political polarisation surrounding religion and social issues by 2023. Religious discourse became more emotionally charged and more strongly connected to identity politics, particularly in relation to women’s rights and LGBTQ+ communities. At the same time, the growing politicisation of religion contributed to stronger secular and anti-clerical reactions among younger and more liberal groups within society. The thesis concludes that religion continues to function as a highly influential symbolic and political instrument within contemporary Polish politics, shaping ideological divisions and debates concerning national identity, morality, and social change.