Social perception of homosexuality in Romania

Romania has moved from the communist repression of homosexuality during the 1980 s to the abrogation of the last article of the Penal Code (art. 200), which incriminates any public manifestation of homosexuality. Still, societal attitudes toward homosexuality are dominated by intolerance, especially in rural areas. In a Gallup study conducted in 2003, 45% of respondents said homosexuals should not be treated the same as others in society; 37% thought homosexuality should be criminalized; and 40% thought homosexuals should not be allowed to live in Romania. This research aims to investigate attitudes toward homosexuality in a sample of 143 Romanian participants, including socio-demographical variables such as age, educational level, religious affiliation and contact with homosexuals.