2022 IPSOS Report on same-sex relationships

Singaporean attitudes towards same-sex relationships appear to have shifted significantly in the last few years. According to a recent IPSOS study, 45% of all respondents say they are more accepting of same-sex relationships than they were three years ago. Also, only a minority support Section 377A of the Penal Code.

Between 25 May 2022 and 2 June 2022, Ipsos conducted a “nationally representative” survey of 500 Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents. In they survey, respondents were asked about their attitudes towards Section 377A of the Penal Code and same sex-relationships.

The 2022 study was conducted 5 years after IPSOS’ study in 2018, which was billed as “one of the first publicly-available studies on the topic in Singapore. Thus, the results of the 2022 study may also reveal how much the attitudes of Singaporeans have shifted in the last 5 years.

Shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ Relationships

The study found that both younger and older Singaporeans reported a “softening in their stance”:-

•  45% of all respondents in the 2022 Ipsos study say they are more accepting of
  same-sex relationships than they were three years ago.
• Among young adults aged 18-29, 67% indicate greater acceptance now.
• 29% of respondents aged 50 years old and above acknowledge that they are more
  accepting of same-sex relationships than they were three years ago.

Only a minority support Section 377A of the Penal Code

In the 2018 IPSOS study, 55% of Respondents were supportive of retaining Section 377A of the Penal Code. 5 years on, this number has plummeted by more than 10% to 44%. In other words, only a minority of Singaporeans support the retention of Section 377A of the Penal Code.

The number of people expressly opposed to Section 377A of the Penal Code have increased from 12% in 2018 to 20% in 2022.

Presumably, those who did not fall into either category did not expressly support the retention of Section 377A.

Standing up for the LGBTQ+ Community

The study also revealed that a significant proportion of Singaporeans are willing to speak up for the LGBTQ community and support laws banning discrimination against them. Almost half of respondents (45%) say they are willing to speak out against someone who is prejudiced against LGBTQ+ persons. More than one-third of respondents (35%) support the enaction of legislation that outlaws discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment, education, housing and social services.

Views on same-sex parenting

A majority of respondents agree that same-sex couples are just as likely as other parents to successfully raise children. 49% of respondents agree that same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples.

A steady shift towards Inclusivity

In a press release that accompanied the release of the IPSOS 2022 Report, Melanie Ng, the Director of Public Affairs at Ipsos in Singapore stated that:

Attitudes towards same- sex relationships are gradually becoming more inclusive as Singaporeans get exposed to diverse perspectives through mass media and social channels, have more direct exposure to same-sex relationships around them, and are more open to engaging in conversations to find out more…

But what is even more interesting are the attitudes towards same-sex parenting and discrimination against LGBTs, and the willingness to speak up against prejudice. Support for the LGBT community in these areas indicates not just acceptance of same-sex relationships at an abstract level but a deeper awareness of the issues confronting the individuals. involved in such relationships. This understanding and empathy paves the way for Singaporeans to better embrace diversity and embed inclusivity within the nation’s social fabric.”

Other studies on the LGBTQ+ Community

The IPSOS Report comes hot on the heels of a report by Blackbox research, which also revealed that attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ Community are shifting. Blackbox observed that “consistent with other recently published studies on gay attitudes in Singapore, those under 25 are roughly twice as tolerant as those over 50”.

In a study in 2020 on whether Singapore is ready for a gay Prime Minister, Blackbox found that 34% of Singaporean think that Singapore is likely to have an openly gay Prime Minister by 2050.

45% of Singaporeans are comfortable with a gay Prime Minister or President. Singaporeans appear to be even more comfortable with a homosexual Member of Parliament (49%). It is unclear, at least from the post itself, if the terms “gay” and “homosexual” are used interchangeably.

All in all, it sure does seem like the tides are shifting.

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