MP's form LGBTQ rainbow to protest president's swearing-in

In a brave act of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, polish MPs formed the pride flag at the swearing-in of President Andrzej Duda.

President Duda has been a vocal opponent of the LGBTQ+ community, describing their identities as an "ideology" that causes more harm than communism, per the Financial Times.

He has also slammed same-sex marriage and vowed to pass legislation that will prevent LGBTQ+ couples from adopting children.

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The reelection took place last month, and he was sworn in again on August 6.

President Duda reelection is a reflection of a grim atmosphere for LGBTQ+ people in Poland, and this is what made the MPs act so powerful - it showed the Polish LGBTQ+ community that they do have people in their corner.

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Copies of the constitution were also held up by MPs to reinforce their belief that the president has violated the country's legal protections.

Razem MP Magda Biejat shared a picture from the ceremony and wrote (translated): "Remind @AndrzejDuda that the fight for human rights does not offend anyone, and that the President of the Republic of Poland should protect the welfare of all citizens."

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In an interview with PinkNews, Magda Dropek, an LGBTQ+ activist from Krakow said she was "really touched" by the gesture on what was a "sad day" for the community.

The activist added: "For me, it was a strong message that we are not left behind. I know that the next few years will be difficult for our community but we won't give up."

The MP's decision to don the rainbow flag was also praised on social media.

One Twitter user wrote: "Don't ever let anyone tell you that your vote for The Left is a wasted vote. After all, they're the only ones who stand in solidarity with Polish LGBTQ+ people."

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A second added: "Major love and respect to the Polish MP's who co-ordinated their outfits to create a rainbow flag at the swearing-in for their homophobic president Andrzej Duda."

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Duda won the electoral race with 51% and he will serve a five-year term.

The president described the election as "difficult" but also "democratic, fair and very efficient", with EuroNews reporting that he vowed to maintain openness for groups and political parties and protect "the family" in Polish society.

This comes after a number of Polish towns last month declared themselves "LGBT free", per the New York Times.