Views on same sex relationships
A global survey in 77 countries was done on issues around same sex relationships. One question was on whether same sex relationships should be criminalised (as in NZ pre 1986). The net agreement by region was:
- Central Asia +11%
- Sub-Saharan Africa +9%
- North Africa +8%
- South Asia +3%
- Middle East -7%
- South-East Asia -11%
- Caribbean -25%
- East Asia -25%
- Eastern Europe -30%
- South America -39%
- Western Europe -39%
- Central America -40%
- North America -44%
- Oceania -48%
Rather proud Oceania is the area least likely to think adults should be made criminals for consensual sexual activity.
The NZ specific data in the survey was:
- Support equal rights for people attracted to same sex 59% agree, 15% disagree
- if neighbour is a lesbian, 77% accept or affirm, 8% try to change her
- if neighbour is gay, 78% accept of affirm, 7% try to change him
- 54% know a gay/lesbian person, 30% say they do not
- 15% think same sex relationships should be criminalised, 59% disagree
- 55% comfortable socialising with gay/lesbian people, 16% uncomfortable
- 38% know someone who is trans-gender