>polls are predicting a win for the Yes campaign, but according to a new study one in six Aussies subscribes to an outdated belief.
>But it seems that these results might not echo global attitudes as much as previously thought.
>ONE in six Australians believe that relationships between same-sex couples should be considered a criminal act, according to a new survey.
>Research conducted by the Ilga-RIWI, a collaboration between the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association and an analytics firm, on global attitudes towards sexual and gender minorities revealed 16% of Aussies agreed that “people who engage in romantic or sexual relationships with people of the same sex should be charged as criminals”.
>More than 28% of people world wide who participated in the Ilga-Riwi survey also believed same-sex relationships should be criminalised. This figure was significantly higher in the African and Middle Eastern areas that were surveyed, coming in at 45% and 36%
>Countries known for being more accepting of same-sex couples still had a significant number of people who agreed they should be charged, with the US coming in at 18%, the UK at 17% and New Zealand at 15%
>Tiernan Brady from the Equality Campaign said the research made “it clear” they “have more work to do around the world to ensure equality for gay and lesbian people.”
>“Fairness and equality are at the heart of Australian society and we believe our laws should reflect these values of which we are most proud,” they said.
>“Posting your ballot this week means it still can get there. It’s not too late. Don’t throw it in the bin, put it in the post.”
