More than four in 10 Britons still think gay sex is “unnatural” half a century after homosexuality was partially decriminalised, a PinkNews survey has found.
42 per cent of those surveyed by YouGov for PinkNews believe that gay sex is not natural, in a poll of 1,609 adults.
A bigger number, 48 per cent, felt that primary school children should not be taught about gay relationships in school.
Among Brexit voters, 59 per cent said gay sex was unnatural, whilst just 25 per cent of Remain voters felt the same.
Sixty eight per cent of Brexit supporters believe children should not be taught about gay relationships in primary school, compared to just 29 per cent of voters for Remain.
The YouGov survey showed a generational divide in attitudes towards gay rights.
Those aged between 18 and 24 overwhelmingly felt that gay sex was natural, at 78 per cent, whilst 69 per cent of those aged 65 and above believe it is unnatural.
PinkNews’ poll indicates that older people are less likely to support gay sex, same-sex marriage, parenthood, and education of gay relations.
Speaking about the “depressing results”, PinkNews Chief Executive Benjamin Cohen said:
“It is depressing that 50 years on from the Sexual Offences Act that so many people still think that gay sex is unnatural and that a third oppose gay couples having children.”
However, Cohen admitted that it was “gratifying” to see younger generations supporting same-sex relationships.
“It is gratifying though to know that for younger people, gay relationships are considered perfectly natural and they strongly support gay parents and teaching young people about gay relationships.”
