Social perception of homosexuality in Romania

Abstract

Romania has moved from communist repression of homosexuality during 80's to abrogation of the last article of Penal Code (art. 200) which incriminate public manifestation of homosexuality, in the year 2000, at the pressures of European Council. Still, societal attitudes toward homosexuality are dominated by intolerance, especially in rural areas. In a Gallup study conducted in 2003, 45% of respondents said homosexuals should not be treated the same as others in society; 37% thought homosexuality should be criminalized; and 40% thought homosexuals should not be allowed to live in Romania. Our research tries to investigate attitudes toward homosexuality in a sample of 143 Romanian participants, including socio-demographical variables as age, educational level, religious affiliation and contact with homosexuals.