One in three are in support it while four in ten oppose, with stances on the issue differing amongst age groups, education level and religious position
Singaporeans are divided over allowing same-sex civil partnerships, new research from YouGov shows.
The data finds that one in three (34%) Singaporeans support legalisation and recognition, while over four in ten (43%) are opposed. The remaining 23% prefer not to say.
A same-sex civil partnership is defined as a legally recognised arrangement similar to marriage, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples. Civil unions grant most or all of the rights of marriage except the title itself.
Younger Singaporeans (those aged 18 to 34) are more likely to support same-sex civil partnerships than older Singaporeans (those aged 55 and over). Half (48%) of younger Singaporeans support same-sex civil partnerships as opposed to a quarter (22%) of older Singaporeans. Similarly, four in ten (41%) university degree holders agree with changing the law, compared to 26% of those without a degree.
Other factors also shape support or opposition to the measure. Out of the 6% of Singaporeans that identify as LGBT, seven in ten (69%) support same-sex civil partnerships. Additionally, two in five (42%) Singaporeans know someone in a same-sex relationship, and one in six (16%) know someone in a same-sex civil partnership. Those who know someone in either are far more likely to support same-sex civil partnerships (51%).
Among those who consider themselves “very much” religious, less than one in five (17%) support legalising same-sex civil partnerships. By contrast, half (51%) of those who consider themselves “not at all” religious back the measure.
Jake Gammon, Head of YouGov Omnibus in APAC commented: “While there is talk of Thailand potentially preparing to recognise same-sex civil partnerships, this data shows that Singaporeans are clearly split on this issue. Our research finds that divisions come along education and age lines. Younger, more educated people are more likely to favour recognising and legalising same sex civil partnerships and those who are older and less educated being more likely to be opposed.”
***Results based on 1,033 Singaporeans surveyed on YouGov Omnibus
