A majority of Quebeckers looks upon the Catholic Church as being homophobic

As part of the second edition of the National Day Against Homophobia, Fondation Émergence, the event’s originator, has revealed results from a Leger Marketing survey on Quebeckers’ perceptions of and opinions towards gays and lesbians. Bear in mind that this survey was conducted several months following the Catholic Church in Quebec’s stand against gay civil marriage and the Archdiocese of Montreal’s decision, last January, to require HIV testing for all candidates studying for the priesthood. The survey shows that over half of those interviewed, 56%, consider that the Catholic Church’s statements and stands are hostile towards the gay community, compared with 34% who think otherwise. 10% did not wish to respond.

Homophobic behaviour

Quebeckers were encouraged to give their opinions on how serious homophobic behaviour can be. A strong majority, 71%, feel that anti-gay and anti-lesbian behaviour is as serious as xenophobic or racist behaviour. However, nearly one quarter of those interviewed, some 22%, feel that people who reveal their homosexual orientation are too visible.

Punishment for insults

A final note is that respondents’ opinions were divided as to the need to punish insults and disrespectful behaviour, by means of a law, towards gay and lesbians: 49% advocate punishment for insults and disrespectful behaviour compared to 43% who see no such need.

The survey was conducted among 1002 respondents, between April 28 and May 2; the maximum margin of error is ±3.4%, 19 out of 20.

Complete results of the poll – French only (PDF)