5 Things We Learned From the Buzzfeed/Ipsos Global Survey on Marriage Equality

Photo via Flickr/Fibonacci Blue

In a recent global survey carried out by Buzzfeed and Ipsos, attitudes towards same-sex marriage and civil partnerships were gauged in 23 countries around the world.

Here, some of their key findings:

1. Young people are embracing marriage across the globe.

In Australia, Germany, Italy, and Japan (four countries still without marriage equality) the approval rate of 16 to 35 year-olds is taking over the 35-49 age group (aka, their parents) and the older generations by large margins. There is hope, people.

2. Spain, Great Britain, and Sweden topped the charts in overall support for recognized unions.

The five countries with the widest support for same-sex marriage (or some form of legal recognition) are all in Western Europe. In order of overwhelming support for equality: Spain (77%), Great Britain (67%)), Sweden (74%), Ireland (66%), and Belgium (69%). The United States ranked 13th (48% think same-sex marriage should be legal; 68% are okay with a legitimate from union), behind Italy, Mexico and Australia.

3. Pope Francis' native and adoptive homes (Argentina and Italy) are hotbets of marriage equality support.

In Argentina, where marriage is already legal, 59% of people support same-sex marriage, with 75% supporting some form of legal regognition. Over the past two years, support for marriage rose more than 11%. And in Italy, where there is mounting pressure on the government to review the law, 48% support gay marriage, with 75% supporting some form of recognition.

4. Two years can make a massive difference in acceptance.

Between 2013 and 2015, support for marriage surged in a number of countries. In Great Britain, it rose 12.4 points over the course of only two years. Argentina saw in increase of 11.4 points, the United States saw an increase of 6.3 points, and Japan, a 5.6 points increase.

5. In some countries with marriage equality, support has dropped.

While some countries saw increased support between 2013 and 2015, others saw a drop. In Sweden, the figure fell from 81% to 74.1%, while both Canada and Australia saw a small decrease in support.

For the full list of findings, plus illustrated charts, visit Buzzfeed.