72% of Sri Lankans do not support laws that punish LGBT people

16 September 2022 08:48 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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51.4% of those surveyed also supported laws that would enhance the rights of LGBT persons

By Ashanthi Warunasuriya

In a recently published islandwide survey, 3 out of 4 people said they do not support punishing or criminalizing LGBT people.

The survey, completed last year by the Westminster Forum for Democracy and recently published, covered all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. It meets the international requirements of a survey of this kind, which is capable of accurately predicting public opinions and sentiments.

51.4% of those surveyed also supported laws that would enhance the rights of LGBT persons, therefore going beyond decriminalization.

48% of people also said they would not be ashamed to have a transgender President- signifying the enormous strides in acceptance of LGBT persons in Sri Lankan society.

Support for LGBT people was overwhelmingly high in persons who identified as Buddhist and Hindu and reasonably high in those professing the Christian faith.

The Perceptions Survey results are especially important as a Private Members Bill has been submitted by SLPP MP Premnath Dolawaththa to end the criminalization of same sex relations and address discrimination towards LGBT persons.

In a recent statement, President Wickremesinghe confirmed that his Government will not oppose the Private Members Bill and Parliamentarians are free to vote on it. With nearly three quarters of the Sri Lankan public supporting decriminalization, the question remains whether Parliament will reflect the views of the people and support Dolawaththa’s Bill.

51.4% of those surveyed also supported laws that would enhance the rights of LGBT persons, therefore going beyond decriminalization.

48% of people also said they would not be ashamed to have a transgender President- signifying the enormous strides in acceptance of LGBT persons in Sri Lankan society. Support for LGBT people was overwhelmingly high in persons who identified as Buddhist and Hindu and reasonably high in those professing the Christian faith.
The Perceptions Survey results are especially important as a Private Members Bill has been submitted by SLPP MP Premnath Dolawaththa to end the criminalization of same sex relations and address discrimination towards LGBT persons.

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Comments - 14

Don't crimilize Friday, 16 September 2022 11:52 AM

I support the LGBT participants. The Buddhist Priest who raped three young abeththayos three days ago, should not be criminalized. It is a normal act and should be treated as such. Let the Priest go! Don't make a show of the incident.

Chumley Pinto Friday, 16 September 2022 12:00 PM

Get rid of the old laws that never could be applied "Holier- than - thou" hypocrisy

Nissanka Friday, 16 September 2022 12:40 PM

Biased surveys most probably funded by NGOs.Nobody would believe this.It should be exactly the opposite result.Ha Ha.

Ikjacob Friday, 16 September 2022 01:59 PM

LGBT agenda which less than 1% of the population is interested in is the least of the priorities right now for this country where the majority is facing discrimination and challenges in all areas of life.

Arnold Dias Friday, 16 September 2022 02:54 PM

LGBT = Unconventional Warfare How ??? Open your eyes

Sunil Perera Friday, 16 September 2022 03:21 PM

Another dodge Survey conducted just to push a new agenda, Sadly our YOUTH,s are being influenced by all theses media hype. Growing up we didnt learn this in Buddhism, NOW our youth are brainwashed with theses new agendas carried out by NGO for their political motives. WHERE are the SO CALLED BUDDIST, and OTHER RELIGIOUS leaders ON THIS MATTER of SAME SEX. THESES so CALLED PRIEST are only playing for their own POLITICAL agenda. Now they dont want to talk on matters that affect the future of our Youths. ANOTHER WESTERN AGENDA PUSHED ON OUR YOUTH BY NGO,s

ajith Friday, 16 September 2022 04:03 PM

Nissanka-please come out of the cave you live in and see where the rest of the world has moved on

SONALI Friday, 16 September 2022 04:43 PM

THE WORST ACT OF A HUMAN KIND. EXPECT MORE DISASTERS AND DESEASE AMONG US.

Tommy Douglas Saturday, 17 September 2022 02:23 AM

Words of wisdom,look what has happened to AustraliaThere isn't a single Man,all homos,Sydney! Poofter capital of the world

Martin Milton Friday, 16 September 2022 05:08 PM

This bill is a MUST to be passed. As a supposed Buddhist Nation, these aspects need to be reflected in such dealings and Laws. MM

Roisin Friday, 16 September 2022 08:45 PM

It should have been 100 %

Jayasiri Abeysinghe Friday, 16 September 2022 08:47 PM

It's interesting that Sri Lanka wants to be like a Singapore or Thailand, countries that have decriminalized same-sex relationships, but yet we don't want to give all our citizens equal rights? LGBTQ2 people are people like us. We claim to be a strong Buddhist nation. How can we treat these people as second class citizens?

S.H.LIYANAGE Saturday, 17 September 2022 09:15 AM

As a compromise and a workable solution it is suggested to decriminalize LGBT activities of over 18 people in the privacy of their homes and away from public eyes as majority of people are not happy seeing this

WTH Saturday, 17 September 2022 10:25 AM

Homosexuality does NOT violate the 3rd precept in Buddhism.

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72% of Sri Lankans do not support laws that punish LGBT people

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