Spain fourth most gay friendly country in world

Cordon Press

Gallup, the International survey company have released the results of the annual Gallup World Poll which surveys over 100,000 people in 123 countries around the world.

According to data most people in European nations say their community is a welcoming place for gays and lesbians. The poll also showed many in African countries see their homelands as being hostile to homosexuals.

Of the countries or areas where residents are most likely to say their city or area is “not a good place” for gay and lesbian people, nearly all were African nations, where same-sex relationships are still largely taboo. This sentiment is nearly universal in Senegal (98 per cent), Malawi (96 per cent), Gabon (95 per cent), Niger (95 per  cent), Mali (95 per cent), and Uganda (95 per cent). Similarly data from countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia showed that only 2 per cent of those polled thought their country was a ‘good place’ to live.

The exception to the rule on the African continent appeared to be South Africa, the only African country where same-sex marriage is legal. Nearly half of the people polled say their community was hospitable to gays, although slightly more than half disagreed.

“As much of Africa continues to struggle with human rights for all residents, few in the region believe their communities are good places for gay or lesbian people. Anti-gay sentiment is apparent,” the Gallup report said.

The poll found that the Netherlands came out on top as the most gay friendly European country where 83 per cent of those polled said it was a “good place” for gays and lesbians to live. Iceland came second in the poll at 82 per cent, just ahead of Spain at 79 per cent and the UK at 77 per cent.

Just three in 10 of those surveyed worldwide said their community is “a good place” for gays and lesbians to live.

Gary Gates, a researcher at University of California who focuses on demographics and gender issues, said: “These latest findings show that for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered (LGBT) people around the world, being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity likely comes with substantial risk.”

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