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Survey Finds Huge Regional Variance in Acceptance of Homosexuality

A new Pew Research Center survey in 39 countries finds widespread acceptance of homosexuality in North America, the European Union, and much of Latin America, but equally broad rejection in Muslim nations and in Africa, parts of Asia and Russia. Related opinions are divided in Israel, Poland and Bolivia.

Specifically, 88 percent of citizens in Spain, 87 percent of Germany, 80 percent of the Czech Republic, 80 percent of Canada, 77 percent of France, 76 percent of Britain and 74 percent of Italy say homosexuality should be accepted by society. Parts of Latin America also show positive opinions about homosexuality, including 74 percent of Argentina and majorities in Chile (68 percent), Mexico (61 percent) and Brazil (60 percent). A majority of Australians (79 percent) and those in the Philippines (73 percent) and Japan (54 percent) agree.

However, more than 98 percent in Nigeria, 96 percent in Senegal, 96 percent in Ghana and Uganda, and 90 percent in Kenya believe homosexuality should not be accepted by society. In South Africa, 61 percent agree, as do overwhelming majorities in Muslim countries such as 97 percent in Jordan, 95 percent in Egypt, 94 percent in Tunisia, 93 percent in Palestine, 93 percent in Indonesia and 78 percent in Turkey. Majorities in South Korea (59 percent) and China (57 percent) agree.

According to the survey, 60 percent of Americans believe homosexuality should be accepted by society.