Abstract
In Norway, a gender-neutral Marriage Law that secured equal marriage and parenting rights for lesbian, gay and heterosexual
couples took effect in January 2009. The aim of the current study was to explore Norwegian beliefs about equal marriage and
parenting rights for lesbian, gay and heterosexual couples and the welfare of children with lesbian and gay parents. A sample
of 1,246 Norwegians participated in the study by filling out a questionnaire. The majority reported that they were supportive
of equal marriage rights for lesbian, gay and heterosexual couples, whilst there was less support for granting gay and lesbian
couples equal right to become parents. The negative attitudes towards equal parenting rights for lesbian, gay and heterosexual
couples were explained mainly by concerns about the welfare of children growing up with gay and lesbian parents.
couples took effect in January 2009. The aim of the current study was to explore Norwegian beliefs about equal marriage and
parenting rights for lesbian, gay and heterosexual couples and the welfare of children with lesbian and gay parents. A sample
of 1,246 Norwegians participated in the study by filling out a questionnaire. The majority reported that they were supportive
of equal marriage rights for lesbian, gay and heterosexual couples, whilst there was less support for granting gay and lesbian
couples equal right to become parents. The negative attitudes towards equal parenting rights for lesbian, gay and heterosexual
couples were explained mainly by concerns about the welfare of children growing up with gay and lesbian parents.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s13178-011-0049-y
- Authors
- Ragnhild Hollekim, Research Centre for Health Promotion, University of Bergen, Christies gt 13, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Hilde Slaatten, Research Centre for Health Promotion, University of Bergen, Christies gt 13, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Norman Anderssen, Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Christiesgt 12, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy
- Online ISSN 1553-6610
- Print ISSN 1868-9884