A recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center has shed light on the shifting attitudes toward same-sex marriage in India, fueling hope for LGBTQ+ equality in the country. Out of the 24 countries surveyed, India stood out with an impressive 53% of respondents expressing either a “somewhat favorable” or “strongly favorable” view of same-sex unions.
In the survey, the group of individuals strongly supporting same-sex marriage accounted for 28%, slightly higher than the 25% who held a more moderate stance of “somewhat support.” While same-sex marriage remains illegal in India, couples from the queer community are granted certain rights if they choose to cohabitate. However, the possibility of change looms as the Supreme Court deliberates on legalizing same-sex marriage, thereby potentially granting LGBTQ+ Indians equal rights.
In 2018, India made significant strides by decriminalizing gay sex, overturning a piece of legislation that had its roots in the country’s colonial past. Many activists view the legalization of same-sex marriage as the next logical step to build upon this progress, positioning India as only the second country in Asia to extend legal recognition to same-sex unions.
The Pew Research Center’s study also encompassed other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. Australia, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, emerged as the leader in support, with a staggering 75% of respondents in favor of equal unions. Of those, 57% expressed strong support for marriage equality. Japan followed closely behind, with overall support at 74%, and the majority falling into the “somewhat favor” category.
Meanwhile, Indonesia displayed the lowest support within the region, with an overwhelming 90% opposing same-sex marriage. A mere 5% expressed support for equal unions. In contrast, Sweden demonstrated the highest level of support among the 24 nations surveyed. An astonishing 92% of Swedes back same-sex marriage, with a significant 74% strongly favoring it. On the other end of the spectrum, Nigeria exhibited the highest rate of opposition, with 97% of respondents against legalizing same-sex marriage.
The findings from this research indicate a promising trend in India’s perspective on same-sex marriage and provide a glimmer of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking equal rights. As the Supreme Court examines the evidence and deliberates on this crucial matter, the outcome could potentially reshape the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in the country and serve as a catalyst for further progress in the fight for equality.