Diverse Views on Same-Sex Marriage
Study Highlights Varying Support Across Nations
A comprehensive analysis by the Pew Research Center underscores stark global differences in attitudes toward same-sex marriage, revealing a mere 2% approval in Nigeria compared to a robust 92% in Sweden.
Expanded from 24 to 32 countries over two years, the research explores views across demographics, geography, age, gender, political ideology, religion, and legalization.
Western Europe Champions Support
Notably, Western European nations, including Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Germany, exhibit robust support for same-sex marriage, where legal recognition is firmly established.
In the United Kingdom, despite recent controversies and anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime spikes, 74% of adults endorse same-sex marriage.
Mixed Sentiments in Italy and Eastern Europe
In Italy, 73% favor same-sex marriage rights, yet recent far-right policies restrict same-sex parenting and ban surrogacy.
Conversely, Poland and Hungary exhibit lower support at 41% and 31%, respectively, reflecting conservative governance’s impact on LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Divergent Views in the United States
Amid record anti-LGBTQ+ legislative activities, the United States demonstrates a split opinion, with 63% supporting same-sex marriage and 34% opposing it.
Ideological disparities are pronounced, with 82% of liberals backing the cause compared to 44% of conservatives.
Asia-Pacific Landscape: Australia and Japan Lead
Australia and Japan emerge as frontrunners in the Asia-Pacific region, boasting 75% and nearly 70% support for legal same-sex marriage, respectively.
While Japan promotes LGBTQ+ understanding, legal recognition remains cautious under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
African Dynamics: South Africa Leads Amid Challenges
South Africa stands as the sole African nation where same-sex marriage is legal, with a 2006 legalization. However, 59% of South Africans oppose it.
Nigeria and Kenya exhibit the lowest support, with only 9% of Kenyans approving. The proposed anti-LGBTQ+ Family Protection Bill in Kenya threatens severe penalties, including the death penalty.
Influencing Factors: Education, Religion, and Political Climate
Attitudes toward same-sex marriage often correlate with education, religion, and income.
A global trend links the decline in democracy and the rise in authoritarianism to setbacks in LGBTQ+ rights and an increase in hateful rhetoric.
This study provides a nuanced understanding of the diverse global landscape of attitudes toward same-sex marriage, revealing the multifaceted factors influencing societal perspectives.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Pink News
