Shifting perceptions of same-sex marriage in Taiwan: who changed their mind after legalization?

Abstract

Purpose

This article addresses Taiwanese public opinion on same-sex marriage, connecting it to the 2020 general election.

Design/methodology/approach

Original survey data are combined with analysis of the existing literature and 2020 election results.

Findings

Original survey data find that nearly one in five respondents have changed their views on same-sex marriage since its legalization, with most of those who have changed their views more opposed to legalization than before. However, this shift and its related support for the Kuomintang (KMT) do not appear to have influenced election results.

Social implications

The results suggest that positions on same-sex marriage remain somewhat in flux, while the success of the pro-legalization Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) may lead to additional LGBT rights.

Originality/value

This combines original survey data with election results to analyze the effects of same-sex marriage legalization on the election outcome.

Citation

Rich, T.S., Dahmer, A. and Brueggemann, C. (2022), "Shifting perceptions of same-sex marriage in Taiwan: who changed their mind after legalization?", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 224-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-05-2020-0081