Love and Legislation: Is Southeast Asia Ready for Same-Sex Marriage?
In June 2024, The Thai Parliament approved a bill recognising same-sex marriage – a historic moment that has sparked debate about the legalisation of same-sex marriage across Southeast Asia.
To explore the sentiments of different countries across ASEAN, we spoke to over 3,000 respondents from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam in our latest Blackbox-CINT ASEANScan study. This article illustrates prevailing regional sentiment on same-sex marriage and the factors that may influence public opinion on what has always been a culturally and politically sensitive issue across Southeast Asia.
Note: Respondents in ASEANScan studies are aged between 18 to 49 years old
A Region in Transition
As discussions continue about the broader legalisation of same-sex marriage across the region, data reveals a clear insight: a citizen of ASEAN is almost twice as likely to support the legalisation of same-sex marriage (48%) than to oppose it (25%). This indicates a growing acceptance of LGBTQIA+ rights within a region that is traditionally considered conservative, reflecting broader global trends towards equality and inclusivity. There remains, however, a considerable variation between different countries.
Thailand: A Leader in LGBTQIA+ Rights
Thailand stands out as the most supportive country in the region regarding same-sex marriage, with more than 7 in 10 of respondents strongly endorsing it. As such, this is a testament to Thailand’s progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ issues and its relatively open cultural environment. This high level of public support aligns with the recent parliamentary bill recognising same-sex marriage, setting a precedent for the region.
Vietnam: A Close Second
Vietnam comes second with its significant support for same-sex marriage, with more than 6 in 10 of respondents in favour. Although same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognised, the country made a major move in 2015 by removing the ban on same-sex partnerships, making it one of the few countries in Southeast Asia to decriminalise such unions. This shift reflects a more progressive approach by the government towards LGBTQIA+ issues. The substantial support in Vietnam indicates a growing openness and a cultural shift to LGBTQIA+ rights, as societal norms continue to evolve.
Singapore: Moderate (albeit Cautious) Support
Singapore presents a more nuanced and moderate picture. Half of Singaporeans support same-sex marriage, a surprising number within a traditionally conservative society. While not as progressive as Thailand or Vietnam, the city-state’s move to repeal Section 377A – a law criminalising same-sex relations between men – reflects a significant movement towards greater acceptance of LGBTQIA+ issues.
With 15% of our respondents in opposition to legalising same-sex marriage, and debates about the repeal of Section 377A still ongoing, it is worth noting that Singapore's support is tempered by social and political complexities. In 2022, when then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the repeal of Section 377A, Singapore’s laws were aligned with evolving social norms while balancing diverse societal views. However, constitutional safeguards were introduced at the same time to maintain the traditional definition of marriage, reflecting ongoing public division on same-sex marriage despite the repeal's significant progress.
Indonesia and Malaysia: Strong Opposition
In contrast, Indonesia and Malaysia show considerable opposition to same-sex marriage. In Indonesia, 64% of respondents are opposed, reflecting the country’s conservative social and religious values. Malaysia also demonstrates substantial opposition, with 45% against same-sex marriage. These figures underscore the challenges faced in these nations, where the role of religious conservatism – like Islam – may influence public opinion.
Out with the Old, In with the New
The sentiment towards same-sex marriage varies notably across age groups. Individuals aged 25-34 are the most supportive, with more than half in favour of legalising same-sex marriage (53%). On the other hand, the oldest age group in our survey – those aged 35-49, are the least supportive, with only 44% in favour.
This generational divide indicates that younger people, who tend to be more progressive on social issues, are driving the shift towards greater acceptance of same-sex marriage. It will be interesting to note how this dynamic impacts sentiment as the proportion of younger citizens (and therefore voters) replace their older cohorts in years to come.
What’s Next?
The varied levels of support and opposition across Southeast Asia highlight the complexities of advancing LGBTQIA+ rights in the region. Thailand’s pioneering legislation reflects a significant step forward, but the divergent views in other countries reveal the challenges that lie ahead for broader legalisation.
Countries with high support, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are likely to continue pushing for greater LGBTQIA+ rights. Conversely, nations with strong opposition like Malaysia and Indonesia may face more significant hurdles in achieving similar advancements, requiring ongoing advocacy and dialogue to address deeply rooted societal attitudes.
Alternatively, countries like Singapore may face challenges of straddling between acknowledging societal changes and preserving traditional values. This illustrates the complexity of advancing same-sex marriages in a diverse and evolving society.
The broader movement towards same-sex marriage across Southeast Asia will depend on continued advocacy, cultural shifts, and legislative efforts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, activists, and advocates working towards equality and inclusivity.
Don’t miss a beat. Click the icon to follow Blackbox on LinkedIn, and fill out the form below to sign up to our newsletter or send us a message.