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Abstract
A limited understanding about the influential predictors of attitudes toward same-sex marriage in Australia exists in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of attitudes toward same-sex parenting on attitudes toward same-sex marriage, above and beyond that of demographic variables. A community sample (N = 790) ranging in age from 18-78 (M = 30.01, SD = 12.49) completed an online questionnaire assessing attitudes toward gay men and lesbians, same-sex marriage, same-sex parenting, and basic demographic information. Results indicate that participants who reported negative attitudes toward same-sex parenting were significantly more likely to hold negative attitudes toward same-sex marriage. Attitudes toward samesex parenting also explained the most variance of attitudes toward same-sex marriage when controlling for the influence of religiosity, sex, number of gay, lesbian or bisexual friends, attitudes toward gay men and lesbians, marital and parental status, age, and sexual orientation. This study illustrates important implications for Australian marriage policy and the lives of many same-sex couples. Future research should continue to explore factors influencing attitudes toward same-sex marriage to further the knowledge base and influence social policy.
Keywords: Attitudes, same-sex marriage, same-sex parenting, Australia.
Introduction
Prior to the 1990s, negativity towards homosexuality and lesbian and gay civil rights was the dominant viewpoint in Western societies (Loftus, 2001); however, antigay bias has progressively decreased over time in Australia (Kelly, 2001). Nonetheless, prejudice and issues surrounding social injustice for minority groups are still evident, despite the current age of liberalism and democracy. Issues related to lesbian and gay rights are becoming increasingly prominent, and even though there has been a gradual amelioration of such negative attitudes, this tolerance does not seem to extend to attitudes toward same-sex marriage (SSM; Brumbaugh, Sanchez, Nock & Wright, 2008; Edwards, 2007; Ellis, Kitzinger & Wilkinson, 2003; Herek, 2006).
Researchers have found several factors related to attitudes toward lesbians and gay men and SSM, including religion (Olsen, Cadge & Harrison, 2006). Leaders of organised religion that convey a negative message about homosexuality have long been at the forefront of the fight against the acceptance of SSM, with a vested interest in upholding religious values and preserving marriage for oppositesex couples (Brumbaugh et al., 2008). In many studies over the past 30 years, religion...