Relationship between Religion and Public Attitudes toward Same-Sex Marriage: Examining the role of Traditional Chinese Religions through a Case Study of Hong Kong

IntroductionExtensive studies have shown that religion is one of the most robust predictors of attitudes toward non-heterosexuality. This research further examines the relationship between religion and public attitudes toward same-sex marriage by examining the role of traditional Chinese religions through a case study of Hong Kong. This research compares the associations of Christianity and traditional Chinese religious beliefs with opinions on non-heterosexuality.MethodsA population-based household telephone survey of 1005 people conducted in 2015-16 was analyzed in the present study.ResultsIt was found that there was a significant difference in attitudes toward same-sex marriage between people of traditional Chinese religions (23.3% were supportive), Christians (17.6% were supportive) and non-religious people (34.3% were supportive). Post hoc tests indicated that the difference in the levels of support for same-sex marriage between people of traditional Chinese religions and non-religious people was not significant.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that there are differences between Christians and people of traditional Chinese religions with respect to the attribution of sexual orientation and attitudes toward same-sex marriage. As a whole, the paper highlights traditional Chinese religions in the discussion of public opinion and LGBT rights and clarifies the relationship between religion and attitudes toward non-heterosexuality.Policy ImplicationsPolicy makers shall consider carefully the opinion of people of different religions on sexuality-related policies, and avoid giving disproportionate attention to believers of some religions who are more vocal about their opposition. It is possible that believers of traditional Chinese religions are more supportive of non-heterosexuality issues, but are less vocal about it, and thus, their voices are less heard.