Sweden emerges as the most supportive country for same-sex marriage, boasting a 92% favorability rating, followed closely by the Netherlands at 89%. Western and Southern European nations generally exhibit high levels of support, with Spain (87%), France (82%), Germany (80%), the United Kingdom (74%), and Italy (73%) demonstrating notable favorability.
In North America, Canada leads with a 79% favorable view of same-sex marriage, with same-sex unions legal since 2005 and even earlier in some provinces. The United States and Mexico both show a 63% support rate.
The Asia-Pacific region sees Australia at the forefront with a 75% support rate, followed by Japan (68%), Vietnam (65%), and Thailand (60%). Argentina (67%) and Brazil (52%) represent South America in the study, showing majority support in Argentina.
Conversely, countries like Nigeria (2%), Indonesia (5%), Kenya (9%), and Malaysia (17%) exhibit the lowest support levels. These countries also criminalize homosexuality and related expressions, with severe punishments ranging from lengthy imprisonment to the death penalty.
The study also reveals a significant generational divide in attitudes towards same-sex marriage. Younger citizens (aged 18-34) consistently show higher support compared to those aged 35 and above, with notable gaps in Taiwan, Mexico, and Singapore.
Furthermore, women are more likely than men to support same-sex marriage, with countries like Australia, Poland, South Korea, and South Africa showing the largest gender gaps in support.
Pew Research Center's findings underscore the ongoing global struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. While significant progress is evident in many regions, challenges persist, ranging from tepid support to severe legal penalties, hindering the ability of LGBTQ+ individuals to live openly and safely.