Legalisation of same-sex marriage will inevitably spread across Asia-Pacific, say nearly half of respondents in new Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey

• 45% of respondents agree that Asia-Pacific will eventually
  embrace marriage equality, versus 31% who disagree
• Three in four respondents believe the overall
  climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Asia-Pacific
  is more open now than three years ago
• Yet companies need to do more to protect LGBT staff
  in countries lagging behind on LGBT rights, executives say

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HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 29 May 2019 - With Taiwan becoming
the first Asian jurisdiction to legalise same-sex marriage this month, new
research by The EIU shows that the march of LGBT equality is likely to continue.
The report, Pride and Prejudice: Assessing Progress in Asia-Pacific, supported by
Barclays, is based on a survey of 1,901 people around the world, including 339
from 21 Asian countries or territories. It includes sentiment surrounding LGBT
rights in both broader society and the business community.

 

While progress in Asian companies may not be as rapid as in the Western
world, positive changes are occurring. Compared with results from similar surveys
conducted in 2015 and 2016, the share of Asia-Pacific executives who believe
there are prominent LGBT advocates in their companies increased by six
percentage points. Those who believe there is a return on investment (ROI) to
LGBT-progress-raising measures grew by ten percentage points. And those who
would like their firms to increase funding for LGBT diversity and inclusion shot
up by 11 percentage points.

 

	There are prominent LGBT advocates in my company (2015 v 2019)	There is a potential ROI/business opportunity in enacting LGBT-friendly workplace policies and practices (2016 v 2019)	I would like to see my company investing more in advancing progress in sexual orientation and gender identity diversity in the workplace (2015 v 2019)
2015 or 2016	26%	23%	34%
2019	32%	33%	45%

 

In broader society, the prospect of same-sex marriage taking hold in
Asia-Pacific is growing alongside deeper acceptance of LGBT people. Among those
who believe the overall climate for LGBT rights in their country over the past
three years has become more open, the top reason cited was change in policies
and laws relating to LGBT people (38%), followed by coverage of LGBT issues in mainstream
media (36%). Yet significant hurdles remain: the top reason cited by those who
believe the climate for LGBT people in Asia-Pacific has become less open over
the past three years was anti-LGBT advocacy by religious institutions,
highlighting the need for greater appreciation of individual civil liberties
among Asian social institutions.

 

Michael Gold, editor of the research, said: “These findings reinforce
Asia’s forward momentum on LGBT rights in light of Taiwan’s historic legalisation
of marriage equality. More action needs to be taken to move the needle for LGBT
people in countries across the continent. Businesses have a crucial role to
play, alongside governments, courts, civil society and the general public.”

About the research

About The Economist Intelligence Unit

About Barclays

Barclays is a transatlantic consumer and wholesale bank offering products
and services across personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards
and wealth management, with a strong presence in our two home markets of the UK
and the US.

 

With over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates
in over 40 countries and employs approximately 83,500 people. Barclays moves,
lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.

 

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.barclays.com.