In a recent analysis by the Pew Research Center, varying levels of support for marriage equality across the world have come to light. The findings underscore the diversity of attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights globally, with Western European countries emerging as the most supportive regions.
Leading the charge in the push for marriage equality is Sweden, where an astonishing 92 percent of respondents expressed their support for equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. Several Western European nations closely followed suit, with the Netherlands at 89 percent, Spain at 87 percent, France at 82 percent, and Germany at 80 percent. Remarkably, each of these countries has already legalized same-sex marriage.
Even in countries where the legal status of same-sex marriage remains a topic of debate, the support for marriage equality is substantial. Italy, where the issue is still under discussion, boasts a commendable 73 percent support among respondents. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom stands at 74 percent, with all its regions having already enacted marriage equality.
A Contrasting Landscape in Eastern Europe and Beyond
However, as the analysis delves into Eastern European countries, a stark contrast emerges. Poland reports just 41 percent support, while Hungary lags even further behind at 31 percent. These figures highlight the challenges that persist in certain regions with regards to LGBTQ+ rights.
North America presents a mixed picture, with 79 percent of Canadians and 63 percent of both U.S. residents and Mexicans backing marriage equality. Yet, in the United States, a clear divide along party lines is evident, with 82 percent of Democrats in favor compared to 44 percent of Republicans. Age also plays a role, as 73 percent of respondents under 40 support marriage equality, compared to 57 percent of those 40 and older.
A Global Perspective: Asia-Pacific, South America, Africa, and the Middle East
Surveys of the Asia-Pacific region reveal strong support in Australia, which legalized marriage equality in 2017, with 75 percent in favor. Taiwan, the only Asian country with marriage equality, reports 45 percent support, while other nations in the region, including Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Cambodia, and India, also show majority support. Notably, Nigeria stands as an exception with just 5 percent support, the lowest among Asian countries.
In South America, both Argentina and Brazil, which have legalized same-sex marriage, report majority endorsement of marriage equality at 67 percent and 53 percent, respectively.
In Africa and the Middle East, the picture is less optimistic, with only 38 percent support in South Africa and Israel. Kenya reports just 9 percent support, while Nigeria comes in with the lowest support among all the countries surveyed at a mere 2 percent.
Overall, the Pew Research Center’s analysis reveals that younger people, women, liberals, and those with higher levels of education and income tend to be more supportive of marriage equality globally. This data emphasizes the complex tapestry of attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights around the world and the ongoing struggle for equal rights and acceptance.