The two-party coalition defeated President Aleksander Kwasniewski's ex-Communist party in September parliamentary elections, but fell short of the three-fifths vote necessary to overturn a presidential veto. The Solidarity government had proposed plans to end distinct sex education classes in schools. Kwasniewski argued that the classes are the best way to prevent teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and abortions. Opponents countered that the classes have the opposite effect and in fact encourage sexual experimentation and promiscuity.
Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek told reporters after the defeat: "I can only regret what has happened. The president's decision was political in character."