One-quarter of Romanians are in favor of same-sex marriage, a new survey on attitudes to LGBT groups shows.
A further 43% say there should be some form of legal protection for same-sex families, something which currently doesn’t exist in Romania.
Attitudes
The survey shows a shift in attitudes to same-sex couples and a growing belief that they should enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples, the group which ordered the poll said.
Support for LGBT and LGBTI people was highest among younger people and those who know members of the gay community.
Three-quarters said it was important for LGBT people “to be treated with respect.”
The survey showed growing support for same-sex couples with 68% of Romanians saying that they should enjoy the legal protections as all families.
A further 71% of Romanians said that legalizing same-sex marriage would have no impact on their lives.
2018 referendum
The figure confirms the result of a 2018 referendum on how the family is defined in the Constitution, the ACCEPT group said. About 80% of voters didn’t vote and the referendum failed due to low voter turnout.
ACCEPT, an advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender, said the results showed “an upward trend in the acceptance of LGBTI people and same-sex couples” in Romania.
People who know people LGBT community were even more supportive of same-sex marriage, the survey found. Some 63% of Romanians who have gay people in their family agree with same-sex marriage.
Almost half of those questioned who have gay acquaintances agree with the legalization of same-sex marriage.
A total of 56% of respondents in the 18-34 age group agree that same-sex couples should enjoy legal protection. It is the first time when a survey shows a majority support of legal protection for the group.
Romania does not recognize gay marriages conducted abroad or at home, where it is prohibited. It is one of six EU nations that doesn’t offer legal recognition for same-sex relationships.
Public opinion
„The …. conclusions confirm what we already suspected: public opinion in Romania is changing rapidly and significantly for the better in regards to accepting equal rights for families in our community,” Teodora Roseti Ion Rotaru, ACCEPT director said on Thursday.
“We see growing support for same-sex marriage, especially among young adults, „she added.
“The data …. should indicate to politicians that Romanians have entered a new decade with their heads held high and are ever more ready to accept,” marriage equality and civil partnership.
LGBT families
The survey also found that some 67% of respondents thought it was unfair that partners in same-sex relationships couldn’t automatically inherit property when their partner died.
A further 62% of those that support same-sex marriage believe that LGBT families should be able to raise children.
Some 1,064 were interviewed for the survey which had a 3% margin of error.
