Cautious tones over implications of support of same-sex relationships

The latest study conducted by Ipsos into the normative attitudes of Singaporeans towards same-sex relationships, see an increase in overall support for same-sex relationships. The study revealed a 20% opposition to the Section 377A of the Singapore Penal Code which criminalises sex between consenting male adults, an increase of 8% from the first study conducted by Ipsos in 2018. Nearly half (45%) of respondents say that they are more accepting of same-sex relationships than they were three years ago. 

New findings from the study reveal that over one-third (36%) of respondents believe that Singaporeans should be able to participate in same-sex relationships. The study delved deeper into the ramifications of having a positive attitude towards same-sex relationships and sought respondents’ opinions on civil union, parenting rights and other areas. 

Views are split over the rights of same-sex couples in Singapore

On Civil Union

About half of the respondents agree that same-sex couples should be allowed to either marry or gain some legal recognition of their union. Supporting this sentiment, 46% of respondents are open to attending the wedding of a same-sex couple, including 38% of those 50 years old and above. 

• 27% believe same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry in Singapore, a sentiment shared especially by young people aged 18-29 (43%). 
• About the same proportion (24%) believe same sex couples should be allowed to obtain some kind of legal recognition but not to marry in Singapore. 
• Another 27% say same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry or obtain any legal recognition in Singapore. 
• The remaining 22% are unsure what legal union rights same-sex couples should be allowed. 

On Parenting Rights

• 51% of respondents agree that same-sex couples are just as likely as other parents to successfully raise children. 33% disagree, 16% are unsure. 
• 49% of respondents agree that same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples. 35% disagree, 16% are unsure.

Similarly split views over the support for LGBTQ community regarding media content, sports participation, and brands.

Around 1 in 3 (between 26% – 38%) respondents are supportive of the LGBTQ community across various aspects such as welcoming more LGBT content in media, LGBT participation in sports, and brands promoting equality for LGBT people. But a significantly large proportion (about 40%) of respondents remain on the fence, who neither support nor oppose these actions.

On Content in Media

• 29% of respondents are supportive of more LGBT characters on TV, in films and in advertising. 28% of total respondents oppose. 
• Among parents, 35% oppose having more LGBT content in media and advertising. 45% neither support nor oppose, 21% are supportive.

On Participation in Sports

• 34% of respondents are supportive of openly lesbian gay and bisexual athletes in sports teams. 25% oppose. 
• There is just slightly less support (28%) for transgender athletes competing based on the gender they identify with rather than the sex they were assigned at birth. 28% oppose.

On Brands who Promote Equality for LGBT People

• 31% are supportive of companies and brands actively promoting equality for LGBT people. 25% oppose.

On Visibility in Society

• 38% are supportive of LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with everyone. 
• 26% are supportive of LGBT people displaying affection in public such as kissing or holding hands.
• 32% would attend a public event in support of LGBT people (eg. Pink Dot SG) 
• 31% would visit a bar or a night-club that caters primarily to LGBT people.

About the study

• Between 25 May 2022 and 2 June 2022, Ipsos ran a nationally representative online survey of n=500 Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 18 and above, in which respondents were asked about their attitudes towards Section 377A and other aspects of same sex-relationships. The study came five years after ground-breaking research was released by Ipsos in 2018 to mark the 10th year of Pink Dot SG, a not-for-profit movement organised to raise awareness of, and support for, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Singapore.

• Quotas on age, gender and ethnicity were employed to ensure that the sample’s composition reflects the overall population distribution, based on Singapore Department of Statistics population estimates. 

• The precision of online surveys is measured using a credible interval. In this case, the results reported are accurate to +/- 5 percentage points of the views and perspectives of all Singaporeans aged 18 and above (at 95% confidence interval). Credible intervals are wider among subsets of the population.

Related:

Attitudes towards same-sex relationships shift towards greater inclusivity in Singapore

Same-Sex Relationships: Majority of Singaporeans Supportive of Penal Code Section 377A