A new Danish study reveals that over one in five people in Denmark hold homophobic views, with strong links to religion, education gaps, and social disadvantage. Does this mean that Danes are homophobic?
Widespread Homophobic Attitudes Revealed
A major new study involving more than 31,000 Danish residents shows that 22% of people aged 15 to 89 believe that sex between people of the same gender is morally unacceptable. The findings reveal significant differences in attitudes based on gender, age, religion, education, and socioeconomic background.
The research was led by scientists from Denmark’s national infectious disease institute, Statens Serum Institut (SSI), in collaboration with Aalborg University. It is based on data from the nationwide “Sexus” survey and has now been published in the scientific journal Archives of Sexual Behavior. Researchers call it the first national-level, representative study globally to examine the prevalence of homophobic attitudes.
Strong Correlation Between Religion and Homophobia
A primary conclusion of the study is a clear association between religious conviction and negative views toward homosexuality. In particular, more conservative religious communities such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, smaller Christian denominations, and Muslims—Denmark’s largest religious minority—show significantly higher levels of what researchers define as homophobic attitudes.
The data shows that only 17% of Muslim men and 26% of Muslim women in Denmark believe that same-sex relations are morally acceptable. These numbers are substantially lower than the national average, indicating a pronounced religious effect on societal views regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
No Generational Shift Among Devout Youth
The study also highlights that younger individuals who are strongly religious are just as likely to hold fundamentalist views as their older counterparts. Researchers caution against assuming a natural generational progression toward greater tolerance, noting that strong religious beliefs appear to override age as a variable in this context.
Men, Elderly, and Less Sexually Experienced Are More Likely to Be Homophobic
Across the general population, the numbers reveal distinct patterns. About 29% of Danish men say sex between people of the same gender is immoral, compared to just 14% of women. Age is another decisive factor: 58% of men and 36% of women aged 75-89 share this view, while among those aged 15-24, the figures drop sharply to 16% for men and 7% for women.
The study also found that individuals with fewer sexual partners and those who delayed sexual debut are more critical of same-sex relationships. This suggests that personal sexual experience may be linked to greater openness or acceptance.
Socioeconomic Factors Deepen the Divide
Beyond gender and religion, researchers found a strong correlation between negative perceptions of homosexuality and social disadvantage. Many who expressed homophobic beliefs also faced issues such as poor health, limited education, and financial difficulties. While the researchers expect overall attitudes to become more inclusive over time due to generational change, they caution that social inequality and religious conservatism could impede this progress.
Sex Education Seen as Key to Reducing Prejudice
One of the study’s most important findings is the strong link between lack of sexual education and negative attitudes toward homosexuality. Many of the respondents who held homophobic views had never received formal sex education. Researchers stress the importance of ensuring that Denmark’s mandatory sex education programs are implemented in schools nationwide—and that opting out should no longer be a casual option.
While Denmark is internationally known for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex partnerships as early as 1989, the study shows that societal attitudes still lag behind legal protections for sexual minorities. Experts see the results as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and community leaders.
Moving Forward
According to SSI, although Denmark is a highly secular country overall, religious communities still wield powerful influence over cultural values and personal beliefs. The new data underscores the importance of broad public education efforts—not only within faith-based communities but across the general population—to promote equality and freedom of identity.
As Denmark prepares to update its public health and education strategies, the findings could play a substantial role in shaping inclusive policies that address both cultural diversity and human rights.
