Study: EU Growing
More Gay-Friendly

The latest Eurobarometer survey examining discrimination in the European Union published this month reveals growing acceptance of the LGBT community within the E.U., but more work needs to be done, according to a press release from the International Lesbian and Gay Association.

The survey was conducted between February and March 2008 and reveals that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is seen as the second most widespread form of discrimination in the E.U. after ethnic origin.

Despite this, the study also show that in nearly all countries of the E.U. most people believe that sexual orientation discrimination is now less common than during the past five years.

Just 1% of E.U. citizens report that they have been discriminated against due to sexual orientation, according to ILGA.

The three countries where discrimination is perceived as particularly widespread are Cyprus (where 73% of respondents said it was very widespread), Greece (73%), and Italy (72%).

Conversely, several new E.U. member states perceive such discrimination to be less commonplace: Bulgaria (20%), Czech Republic (27%), and Slovakia (30%).

The survey also found that most Europeans are comfortable having a gay or lesbian neighbor, the average being 7.9 on a 10-point comfort scale: Swedes being most comfortable (9.5), followed by Dutch and Danes (9.3 each).

Also, most Europeans feel comfortable having a gay or lesbian leader in their country: the average being 7.0 out of a possible 10, with over one third of Europeans (36%) stating that they would feel totally comfortable with having a gay or lesbian leader. (The Advocate)