Does the world approve of gay marriage? A new poll of 23 developed countries shows that less than half believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry legally.
A Buzz Feed/Ipsos poll last month of over 17,000 adults in 23 countries finds that 47 percent of those surveyed believe that two people of the same gender can tie the knot.
Of the 11 countries that support gay marriage, Spain leads the way with 77 percent of adults in that country answering affirmatively. Sweden was a close second, with 74 percent believing gay marriage should be allowed. Other countries in the majority are, in descending order, Belgium (69 percent), Germany (68 percent), Great Britain (67 percent), Ireland (66 percent)), Canada (67 percent), Argentina (59 percent), Mexico (54 percent), France (53 percent) and Australia (53 percent).
Ireland was the first country to put the issue to a national referendum vote last week. The referendum passed with a 62 percent majority and now gay marriage will be enshrined in Ireland’s constitution.
In this survey, only 48 percent of U.S. adults say they are for gay marriage, although other studies conducted this year show a higher approval for the issue. Last month, for example, Gallup conducted a survey that showed 55 percent of American adults support gay marriage.
Which countries nix gay marriage? Russia leads the way with only two out of 10 Russians agreeing that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry legally. Other countries in the minority on this subject are, in ascending order, Poland (21 percent), South Korea (27 percent), Turkey (27 percent), China (29 percent), India (29 percent), Japan (30 percent), Hungary (31 percent), Brazil (40 percent), South Africa (45 percent) and Italy (48 percent).
Of the 12 countries that have less than a majority in favor of same-sex marriage, all but India, Turkey and Russia have majorities that support some legal recognition of same sex unions.
In Italy, where only 48 percent approve of same-sex marriage, 75 percent of adults support some legal recognition. U.S. support of legal recognition is 68 percent in this study.
