Date: Sun, 9 Jun 96 08:10 PDT
From: ila@islandnet.com (Lawrence Aronovitch)
Subject: CANADA: New Poll on Gay Issues

A new national poll was released on June 7 that addressed specifically gay
and lesbian issues.  1,516 adult Canadians were polled between May 28 and
June 2.

1.  SAME-SEX SPOUSAL BENEFOTS-- A majority of Canadians (55%) believe that
"the partners of homosexual employees should be entitled to the same spousal
benefits as an employer provides to the partners of heterosexual employees."
Support is strongest in Quebec (70%), British Columbia (58%), and the
Atlantic prvinces (56%), and with the younger population (71% of those 18-34).

2.  SAME-SEX MARRIAGE-- The population is split on legal recognition of
marriages (49% for recognition, 47% against), but this is a marked change
from the last time the question was asked (1993), when only 37% were in
favour and 56% opposed.  Quebec, B.C. and the Atlantic provinces show modest
majorities in favour; the younger population is very supportive (67% of
those 18-34).

3.  GAY AND LESBIAN ADOPTIONS-- Most Canadians are opposed to allowing
adoptions (42% in favour, 52% opposed), except in Quebec (55% in favour).
The younger population is supportive (54% of those 18-34).


========================================================
Lawrence Aronovitch                tel/fax: 604-370-0340
Victoria BC Canada             e-mail: ila@islandnet.com
========================================================



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