The Polish Parliament has voted against the possibility of having a debate about introducing same-sex civil partnerships in Poland.

Lawmakers in Poland voted overwhelmingly against discussing the matter of introducing civil partnerships for same-sex couples; less than a third of MPs, 146, voted for the discussion, with 215 voting against, 24 abstained and 75 refused to vote at all.

The proposal was first submitted in January 2013 – a draft bill thrown out by just 17 votes – but has now been indefinitely shelved as the parliament refuses to discuss it.

The Democratic Left Alliance’s proposal would have meant that same-sex couples in civil partnerships would be able to pay income tax jointly, maintain the right to inheritance, have medical rights, and receive social security benefits as a result of a death.

Gay rights groups have criticised the move, saying that Polish people want to introduce legal recognition for same-sex couples.

“We are lied to by politicians – mostly conservative – who say that Poland is not ready for civil partnerships, let alone same-sex marriage,” Agata Chaber, the head of Campaign Against Homophobia, has said.

Polish MP Anna Grodzka became the first transgender MP in parliament in 2011, and, earlier this year, announced that she hopes to run for president of the country.

Last year, a small Polish town refused to name a playground after Winnie the Pooh because they believed his lack of trousers and genitalia was inappropriate for children.

Currently there is no legal recognition of same-sex couples in Poland.