Suchergebnisse

This paper provides an analysis of respondent's perceptions about the legal recognition of same-sex relationships (N=1538). An online survey was developed to assess views regarding same-sex marriage and civil partnership, using statements rated on a forced-choice Likert-type scale with space for qualitative comments and collection of demographic information. Strategic opportunistic sampling and snowball sampling were used to achieve a large sample, derived from 27 different countries. Most respondents identified as lesbian or gay (69.4 per cent) and were currently in a same-sex relationship (67.2 per cent). Analysis indicates that the legal recognition of same-sex relationships is perceived as an important equality issue for lesbians, gay men and bisexual (LGB) people, and more support is evident for marriage than for civil partnership (particularly from those residing in North America). Heterosexuals are more likely to support civil partnership than LGB people, and lesbians are as positive about legal relationship recognition as gay men. Liberal formal equality arguments are better understood and more accepted than substantive equality or radical arguments. Our findings highlight that whilst LGB people strongly support the legal recognition of same-sex relationships they are especially in favour of same-sex marriage, and believe that all individuals (regardless of sexuality) should have access to the same relationship choices/statuses.