Something old, something new : heterosexual students' opinions on same-sex marriage
This study is an exploration of the opinions of heterosexual law students (n=44) at the University of Cape Town on the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Three distinct perspectives are identified by means of Q methodology and are compared with respondents' scores on the short form of the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale (ATLG-S). The three positions represent: a) unequivocal support for the legalisation of same-sex marriage founded on the principles of equality and human rights; b) strong religious and moral opposition to the legalisation of same-sex marriage; and c) support for the provision of domestic partnership (rather than marriage) for same-sex couples. Closer analysis reveals that each position comprises two discrete sets of responses views on the institution of marriage and responses to homosexuality - that interact in particular ways to inform respondents' opinions on same-sex marriage. In this sample, support for the legalisation of same-sex marriage is predicated on more positive attitudes toward homosexuality and openness to changing the institution of marriage. Opposition to same-sex marriage is founded on religious and conservative condemnation of homosexuaIity and fixed notions of the meaning of marriage. Advocates of domestic partnerships support the rights and well-being of homosexuals, but view marriage as a heterosexual institution that should remain closed to lesbian and gay couples. Based on the findings, it is argued that improving attitudes toward homosexuality would create more positive responses to the legal recognition of same-sex relationships but would not necessarily increase support for the legalisation of same-sex marriage. It is asserted that same-sex marriage is an important issue in the fight for lesbian and gay equality and, more significantly, one that could contribute to the mental health of lesbians and gay men.
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