A survey released today by the Australia Institute has shown homophobic attitudes towards lesbians and gay men are still prevalent within Australian society, with 35% of respondents believing that homosexuality is immoral.

The survey, Mapping Homophobia in Australia, was based on interviews with nearly 25,000 people across the country, and showed that attitudes towards lesbians and gay men varied according to age and geographical location.

According to David Scamell, co-convenor, “Lesbians and gay men continue to face legal and social discrimination in our society due to homophobia and prejudice. Given that Australia considers itself to be an open minded society based on “a fair go”, these results reveal a high level of homophobia and ignorance in our society”.

He added: “It is this prejudice and belief that homosexuality is immoral and wrong that results in the disproportionate levels of violence and harassment that is experienced by lesbians and gay men”.