Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Hicks, Barbara
Keywords
LGBT, Cross-National, Statistical, Gay, Rights, Homosexuality, LGBT Rights Legislation
Area of Concentration
Political Science
Abstract
The world has seen many changes in the area of LGBT rights, specifically decriminalization of homosexuality, equalization of the age of consent for sexual activity, anti-discrimination legislation on the basis of sexual identity, same-sex partnership and marriage, and adoption rights. This study seeks to understand what factors influence the passage of LGBT rights legislation, and what common characteristics are shared by countries with broad LGBT rights. Through cross-national statistical analyses of as many national and sub-national cases as possible, five hypotheses are investigated. The order of legislation was examined to determine whether there are standard sequences in the passage of LGBT rights legislation. The influences of neighboring countries and regional relationships, as well as differences between predominant religious heritages, were also explored. Demographic and attitudinal variables such as the population's views on the justifiability of homosexuality, postmaterialism levels, religiosity, age structure, education, democratic freedoms, and gender equality were next investigated. Finally, the possible effect of LGBT advocacy organizations was assessed. Evidence was found in support of the hypotheses about both sequencing and the impact of the independent variables studied, but the outcomes of analyses stress the need for further study. Overall, despite some robust patterns, the results supported a variety of paths to LGBT rights, rather than one predominant path.
Recommended Citation
Ziegler, Dana, "Follow the Rainbow Brick Road A Cross-National Analysis of Lgbt Rights" (2012). Theses & ETDs. 4703.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4703
Rights
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