Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados

IN
Report prepared by
CADRES

carbbeanIiI^lopment
RESEAIK^yERyiCeS INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SYNOPSIS..............................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY AND LIMITATIONS.....................................................................5
SURVEY DEMOGRAPHICS...................................................................................................................7
Table 01: Parish of Residence............................................................................................................7
Table 02: Sex of Respondents............................................................................................................7
Table 03: Race of Respondents.........................................................................................................7
Table 04: Age of Respondents...........................................................................................................7
Table 05: Employment Status of Respondent....................................................................................7
Table 06: Income of Respondents......................................................................................................8
Table 07: Marital Status of Respondent..............................................................................................8
Table 08: Number of Children.............................................................................................................8
Table 09: Religion of Respondents.....................................................................................................8
Table 10: Highest Level of Education of Respondents.......................................................................8
VIEWS ON DECRIMINALISATION........................................................................................................9
PERCEPTIONS OF HOMOSEXUALS.................................................................................................11
ATTITUDINAL ISSUES........................................................................................................................13
Table 12: Ranking of Attitudes toward Homosexuals {Prefer Not...)................................................14
ATTITUDE TOWARDS HOMOSEXUALS IN A WORD.......................................................................18
COMPARATIVE BARBADIAN ATTITUDES.......................................................................................21
APPENDICES.......................................................................................................................................22
Appendix I.........................................................................................................................................22
Survey Excerpts................................................................................................................................22
Appendix II........................................................................................................................................25
2003 Survey Question.......................................................................................................................25
Appendix III.......................................................................................................................................26
Demographic Impact on Attitude Towards Homosexuals {Prefer Not...)..........................................26

Figure 1: Support for Decriminalisation of Homosexual Acts (Barbados 2003).....................................9
Figure 2: Should Homosexual Acts between Consenting Adults be Legal/Illegal (USA Gallup)..........10
Figure 3: What does the word Homosexual mean to you?...................................................................11
Figure 4: How would you feel about having a Homosexual as.............................................................13
Figure 5: Gender and Attitudes toward Homosexuals..........................................................................15
Figure 6: Age Group and Attitudes toward Homosexuals.....................................................................16
Figure 7: Marital Status and Attitudes toward Homosexuals................................................................17
Figure 8: Religion and Attitudes toward Homosexuals.........................................................................17
Figure 9: HATE Homosexuals..............................................................................................................18
Figure 10: TOLERATE Homosexuals...................................................................................................19
Figure 11: ACCEPT Homosexuals.......................................................................................................19
Figure 12: Comparative Barbadian Attitudes........................................................................................21
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 2 of 27

SYNOPSIS
This study examines the attitude towards homosexuals in the independent post-colonial island of
Barbados in an effort to establish a historical base-line that could inspire further research on this
issue. It draws primarily on nation-wide quantitative surveys that were executed in 2003 and 2004.
These included relevant questions but were not exclusively focused on issues of homosexuality.
Initially the study sought to determine the way in which most Barbadians perceived homosexuals and
discovered that persons largely saw it as a "male" preoccupation, which partially explains the
comparatively greater concerns of men that were interviewed.

The main survey (2004) used simple indicators to gauge attitudes and was informed by an earlier
survey (2003) which sought to determine the public's attitudes toward decriminalisation. The outcome
of the 2003 decriminalisation survey indicated clearly that there was little if any support for the
decriminalisation of homosexual acts; however the 2004 survey demonstrated that this single
question only told part of the story of Barbadian attitudes.

The 2004 investigation which is presented here demonstrates that "negative" attitudes toward
homosexuals are prevalent within a relatively small section of the Barbadian population, while the vast
majority of Barbadians are either tolerant or accepting of homosexuals. This essentially means that
Barbadians have disaggregated their strong views on the retention of a legal prohibition against
homosexual acts, from their attitude towards homosexuals generally, which is considerably more soft.

This mental separation of what should be two related issues appears illogical but speaks volumes
about the extent to which Barbadians have accepted religious and traditional doctrines without
question and given little rational thought to this issue. Therefore when confronted with individuals that
they have no logical reason to dislike. Barbadians retreat to their human values but nonetheless feel
the need to publicly assert their philosophical opposition to what they see as a "lifestyle". This
apparent contradiction is aptly reflected in a phrase that is often quoted in response to these issues
"Love the sinner but hate the sin".

Apart from highlighting this "gap" in the Barbadian logic, the study also helps to explain the rationale
behind our attitude towards homosexuals and this seems to be located in the twin issues of fear and
concern. There is obvious concern for the homosexual who the public "fears for" or is "concerned
about and there is also a fear "of the homosexual which could be located in that person's apparent
proclivity to be predatory, or to the extent that the homosexual could have the capacity to improperly
influence societal norms.

The study revealed a major preoccupation with even the most "liberal" persons that their children and
to a lesser extent their families should NOT be homosexual, while there was comparatively less
concern about the other categories (like "Friends" and "Employees"). This pattern was clearly
influenced first and foremost by concern for the homosexual {"Children" and "Family") and secondarily
fear of the homosexual (Teachers and politicians). The fact that there was generally little concern
about homosexual "Friends" supports the argument that Barbadians are not instinctively homophobic
but this fear is rooted in an emotional bond or power relationship.

The other major finding of this study is the identification of demographic variables that appear to
influence a person's attitude towards homosexuals. The survey demonstrates that women are
generally more comfortable with homosexuals than men and similarly young adults are more
comfortable than older persons. It is interesting that the age divide here is more 18-50 as distinct
from 51 and over since the separation between the views of the 18-30s and the 31-50s is not clearly
reflected in their different opinions. The impact of income and education is; however clear since
persons who were better educated and who earned more money in the survey appeared more
comfortable with homosexuals.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
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The final section of the report attempts to compare Barbadian attitudes toward homosexuals with their
attitudes toward other controversial issues such as the decriminalisation of Marijuana (Ganja); the
Death Penalty and Corporal Punishment of Children. This comparison did NOT establish any
statistically verifiable relationship, but it does demonstrate that Barbadians are considerably more
opposed to the decriminalisation of homosexual acts than any of the other major issues engaged in
the survey. This section also supports the argument that there is some distance between the stated
Barbadian position on several of these moral issues and their practices.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
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INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY AND LIMITATIONS
This report speaks mainly to data that was collected in 2004 as part of a national "omnibus" survey
conducted by students of the Qualitative Research Methods course of the UWI, Cave Hill. Students
in this course were supervised in survey design, data collection and tabulation by the Director of
CADRES who was at that time also the course Director. The project associated with these data
required that students identify research issues; design suitable questions; collect data from a
representative cross-section of Barbadians and thereafter prepare reports on select themes. The
report that follows draws on data collected by students but makes no reference to the related report
which was associated with a University examination and could not be referenced in a report of this
nature. The fact that the issue of attitudes toward homosexuals was included in this omnibus study
reflects the fact that students in that year were interested in examining the issue and it is noteworthy
that similar interest was reflected in the qualitative aspect of the course which was conducted in the
previous semester {September-December 2003).

The survey employed a stratified random sample of Barbados which identified as primary strata:

Age;
Gender; and
Parish of Residence

In addition, several other demographic categories were identified and collated, however the survey
was not designed to replicate these characteristics in a manner that was proportionate to the
population of Barbados. Data that are presented in these instances would therefore bear some
relation to the national scenario, but would not be a conclusive indicator of the extent to which that
variable is present in the population of Barbados.

Interviewers were each assigned areas based on a random selection of polling divisions in each
electoral constituency. Constituencies are roughly equal divisions of the national population and
polling divisions are equal divisions of constituencies. These are therefore the most practical
mechanism to match the national distribution of residents. In each instance interviewers selected 12
households in a random matter {one in three) and conducted one face to face interview at each of
twelve households.

The analysis that follows arises from these cases which were 1,457 in total and in this instance the
analysis relies upon three specific questions that are presented in Appendix I. These questions were
designed to elicit the respondents' understanding of the term "homosexual" and moreover their
attitude to homosexuals. The manner in which these variables are analysed is quite simple and
designed to determine the extent to which perceptions are present in the population and also the
demographic factors that impact on these perceptions. The latter issue is explored by reference to
the Chi square test for independence which establishes the extent to which there is a relationship
between two variables or if such variables are independent of each other.

In addition to the main survey, reference was also made to a second CADRES Survey conducted in
Barbados during January of 2003 along with Gallup poll data that speaks to relevant public opinion in
the United States of America at various points in time. Both of these surveys are representative of the
populations that they speak to and fall within the +/- 5% margin of error which facilitates comparison
with the main data-set which has a comparable confidence level.

Although this study is seminal it does have several limitations and the most obvious of these is the
"age" of the main data-set, which was collected in 2004. Clearly the survey does not speak to
contemporary attitudes, but speaks instead to the attitudes that prevailed in 2004. In this regard it is
useful to note that social attitudes of this variety are like the attitudes to capital punishment, corporal
punishment and smoking and hence are more likely to be modified in one direction overtime. This is
to some extent supported by reference to the US/Gallup data which reflects an "improvement in the
attitude of Americans towards legally sanctions homosexual relations between 1977 and 2010. We
can therefore assume that if this study were repeated in Barbados now, attitudes would have
"improved' which is to say that Barbadians are likely to be less "homophobic", making this study
reflective of a "worst case" scenario which is useful to chronicle.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
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Another major limitation relates to the fact that the survey was "one-off in Barbados alone and as a
result there is no capacity to establish trends over time or make comparisons between Caribbean
islands. In this regard also the survey will serve as a starting point or "base-line" and would facilitate
comparisons if the study is replicated elsewhere.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
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SURVEY DEMOGRAPHICS
Table 01: Parish of Residence
St. Lucy 1.6%
St. Andrew 0.8%
Christ Church 11.7%
St. Peter 3.3%
St. James 8.2%
St. Thomas 4.1%
St. George 5.8%
St. Michael 48.0%
St. Phillip 9.9%
St. John 2.5%
St. Joseph 4.1%
In this section data is presented largely for purposes of
information, however these demographic categories are used
later in the analysis to determine the extent to which
relationships exist between the different demographic variables.
Table 01 speaks to the percentage of the national sample that
was contributed by each Parish of the country. In this instance it
is important to note that different quantities of persons live in
individual parishes, hence the survey took equal quantities from
the political constituency boundaries which were more
consistently proportioned.

Table 02 speaks to the sex of the respondent and it can be seen
that there are slightly more women than men in Barbados and
this is consistent with the national scenario.
Table 02: Sex of Respondents

Male 49.4%

Female 50.6%
The race of respondents is presented in table 03 and this also appears to match the local profile. Afro
Barbadians are the single largest racial group in Barbados hence one would expect that their opinions
to be more profound in the survey.
Table 03: Race of Respondents

Afro 88.1%

Anglo 1.9%

Sino 0.3%

Indo 1.0%

Mixed 8.0%

Other 0.8%
Table 04: Age of Respondents

18-30 years 34.5%

31-50 34.6%

51 and over 30.8%
The age distribution in the survey {like gender) is deliberate and
matches the national profile, with the older group being
smallest and the younger groups being largest.
Table 05: Employment Status of Respondent
Yes, Employed (full- -time) 45.5%
Yes, Employed (part-tine) 8.4%
Housewife/HousehL isband 4.1%
Unemployed 9.1%
Student 8.0%
Retired 12.3%
Self Employed 11.7%
OtherAA/on't say 0.9%
Table 05 speaks to employment and presents
the quantity of respondents that were employed,
unemployed and otherwise engaged. Since the
survey was largely an adult survey, the largest
quantity was employed full or part time, however
the 10% student component could reflect the
youngest persons in the sample.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
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The income of respondents presented in Table 06 should be interpreted with some caution since one-
quarter of respondents did not respond to this question. This is normal in surveys across the region
where people are hesitant to speak about their income level.
Table 06: Income of Respondents
Table 07: Marital Status of Respondent

Single 56.9%

Married 31.7%

Divorced 5.6%

Widowed 5.4%
Table 07 suggests that one-third of respondents are married
while the majority are single. The analysis that follows would
therefore best speak to a comparison of these two categories
of persons.

Table 08 is presented slightly differently and therefore reflects the cumulative number of children that
each person interviewed had at the time. We can therefore see that half of those interviewed had at
least one child, while one third had none. This section was re-coded elsewhere in the analysis to
reflect those who "had' children and "did not have" children.
$2,000 30.7%
$2,000-$3,000 18.5%
$3,000-$4,000 8.4%
$4,001-$5,000 3.0%
Over $5,000 3.0%
Won't say 25.5%
N/A 10.9%
Table 09: Religion of Respondents
Practicing Christian 56.5%
Non Practicing Christian 35.2%
Muslim 0.9%
Jewish 0.3%
Rastafarian 3.2%
Baha'i 0.1%
Atheist 0.8%
Agnostic 2.3%
Finally tables 09 and 10 present the education and religion of
respondents and highlight Christianity at the most popular religion
with a significant number of Christians claiming to be "non-
practising".
Table 10: Highest Level of Education of Respondents

Primary 12.8%

Secondary 41.0%

Post-Secondary 10.4%

TechnicalA/ocational 10.2%

Tertiary 25.5%
Table 08: Number of Children
Percentage Cumulative Percentage
0 30.5% 30.5%
1 20.9% 51.4%
2 20.3% 71.7%
3 13.4% 85.1%
4 7.2% 92.2%
5 3.3% 95.6%
6 1.7% 97.3%
7 1.2% 98.5%
8 0.5% 99.0%
9 0.3% 99.4%
10 0.3% 99.7%
11 0.1% 99.8%
13 0.1% 99.9%
16 0.1% 100.0%
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
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VIEWS ON DECRIMINALISATION
The extent to which people feel that homosexual acts should be legal is a good indicator of people's
attitude towards homosexuals especially in a country like Barbados where the legal infrastructure is
widely perceived to frown on such activity. In Barbados homosexual acts that can be classified as
"buggery" are deemed to be illegal and can attract up to 15 years imprisonment, however such
prosecutions and convictions are rare. In addition to the buggery/sodomy issue, there is also the
broader issue of the definition and perception of "indecency" under the laws of Barbados which can
facilitate a substantially more broad legal net that could easily embrace the sexual practices and
general lifestyles of homosexuals. The issues that emanate from this legal environment are
numerous, but are not the central focus of this paper which speaks to attitudinal issue.
Notwithstanding, this investigation initially speaks to a 2003 CADRES survey which asked Barbadians
if they would support the "decriminalisation of homosexual acts".

Figure 01 speaks to these data and demonstrates that 87% of Barbadians opposed the
decriminalisation of homosexual acts between male consenting adults. There was virtually no support
for decriminalisation in this survey since only 6% supported it and 7% were not sure which amounts to
a complete rejection in statistical terms. In instances like this where there is unanimity, it is not normal
for there to be any strong correlations regarding any demographic factor that could impact on this
opinion and this is the case here as well. As it relates to both gender and age there is no statistically
sound correlation present in the data; however there is a statistically insignificant observation that
demonstrates that women and younger people are slightly more inclined to support decriminalisation.
Support for Decriminalisation of Homosexual Acts
(Barbados 2003)

Support Decriminalisation H Oppose Decriminalisation U Unsure/Won't say
J___L
]___L
Barbados
All
Male
Female 18-30 Years 31-50 Years 51 and Over
Gender
Age Group
Figure 1: Support for Decriminalisation of Homosexual Acts (Barbados 2003)
This high level of opposition to decriminalisation conveys the impression that Barbados is an
extremely intolerant society, which is highly debatable and in this regard issues of definition and
comparison emerge. Regarding definition, it should be noted that the 2003 CADRES survey asked
Barbadians "Do you think that homosexual acts between male consenting adults should be
decriminalized or made legal in Barbados?" which appears at first blush to be a relatively definitive
question. Subsequent discussions with interviewers, as well as public discourse on the issue,
however revealed the fact that Barbadians often confuse decriminalisation with personal support for
homosexuality and moreover believe that decriminalisation is akin to support for "Gay Marriage".
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 9 of 27

In support of this point, reference can be made to a comment made by the Leader of the Opposition in
Barbados (2005) Clyde Mascoll. He stated 7 can condone homosexuality because of the need to
give the individual choice, but I cannot see legitimising it I respect the rights of the individual and I
respect the rights of consenting adults to do what they want to do in the privacy of their homes, but I
can't see myself supporting decriminalising buggery" (Nation Newspaper January 29th 2005). This
statement appears to differentiate "condoning" an activity from "legitimising" it and implies that
decriminalisation advocates are proposing something more than "respectpng] the rights of consenting
adults to do what they want in the privacy of their homes". Although the clarification of this
misunderstanding might not necessarily have substantially reduced the levels of opposition, the
identification of these shortcomings in the question structure helps to contextualise this high level of
opposition.

The next logical question that arises relates to the extent to which persons in Barbados are more, or
less opposed to decriminalisation than is the case in other countries where homosexual acts are also
illegal. Since there is no data available from other Caribbean jurisdictions, reference was made to a
series of Gallup polls conducted in the USA which conveniently track the American attitude towards
this same issue. In the American context, homosexual acts between consenting males have been
decriminalised at the state level either directly or by way of human rights challenges in the courts over
the last 45 years, hence the question asked respondents if the acts "should' be legal regardless of
whether or not this is/was the case.

Figure 02 presents this Gallup data and demonstrates that in 1977 the American public was divided
on the issue with 43% being supportive and a similar number opposed. The first Gallup poll was
conducted during the 70s when some states still maintained "sodomy" laws and the data-set therefore
tracks the progress of public opinion from that point up to the present situation which is a full 7 years
after the last set of "sodomy" laws were struck down in Texas (2003). It can be seen that public
opposition to legal sanction has softened over the years and commensurate support increased;
however the US is clearly a very different environment to the Caribbean based on these data. In
2003, 60% or 6 out of every 10 Americans believed that homosexual acts should be legal while in
Barbados in that same year 6% or 0.6 persons out of every 10 supported decriminalisation.
Should Homosexual Acts Between Consenting Adults be {
Legal/Illegal (USA 1977-2010)
Should be LEGAL H Should be ILLEGAL
sp ON
ON sp O
00 ON ID
"^ ^ ^ ^ ^

it yi II lUL
2010 2006 2003 1999 1989 1977
Figure 2: Should Homosexual Acts between Consenting Adults be Legal/Illegal (USA Gallup)
The foregoing data and comparisons speak to the specific issue of decriminalisation; however this is
only one of several components which speak to the attitude of Barbadians and it is therefore
important to consider the less rigid indicators presented in other sections of the report.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 10 of 27

PERCEPTIONS OF HOMOSEXUALS
Initially the meaning of the word "homosexuaf was explored by way of a question that asked "What
does the word homosexual mean to you" and the overall results are presented in figure 03 below. In
this instance respondents were given three options and asked to select the one they think best
reflects their personal understanding. Interviewers were instructed to explain that there was no
correct or incorrect answer and respondents should simply state their opinion.

The vast majority of respondents (68%) selected the option that interprets the word homosexual to
mean "a person that likes the same sex" which is the conventional and proper definition of the word.
31% of Barbadians were more inclined to the more colloquial understanding that sees the word as
identifying a relationship between two men and only a faction (2%) expressed the view that the word
meant two women.

The meaning of the word homosexual is important to this analysis since it helps one appreciate the
roots of perceptions that are being explored in this paper. The fact that one-third of Barbadians see
this word as speaking to men only implies that men would also be associated with any associated
negativity. Presumably these persons either don't see women as having similar proclivities or
perhaps consider lesbianism to be more "normaf behaviour.
What does the word Homosexual mean to you
HTwo men
I Two women U A person who likes the same sex
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w o ^ o o Q Q Q
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Age Group Income
Figure 3: What does the word Homosexual mean to you?
The Chi square test results in this instance demonstrated positive relationships between the response
categories and sex, age and income. This essentially means that these variables affect a person's
proclivity to define the word homosexual differently. Specifically, men were more inclined to think that
the term homosexual applied to men only and similarly older persons were also more inclined to think
so, than younger persons were. The income relationship was somewhat surprising since it appears
as though persons in lower income brackets were more inclined to think that the term applied only to
men and this trend continued until the income category passed Bds. 5,000 per month and then the
understanding reverted to a lower income understanding.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
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This peculiarity has partially been caused by the fact that the smallest number of persons in the
survey were in the $5,000 + income group and the chi square analysis is not sensitive to these
differences; hence the exaggerated opinion in this income group might have more to do with the size
of the sample than any difference of opinion. Moreover the "Won't say" and "N/A" categories appear
to be similar to the overall population and these two distinctions imply that income does positively
affect person's understanding of the meaning of the word "homosexuaf and wealthier persons are
more likely to define homosexual as relating to persons of the same sex, while persons in lower
income groups are more inclined to think that the term homosexual refers to two men.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 12 of 27

ATTITUDINAL ISSUES
To gauge attitudes toward homosexuals, respondents were asked a series of hypothetical questions
to which they had three response options. Barbadians were asked how they would feel about having
a homosexual as:

A Child;
A Family member;
A Teacher;
A Friend;
A Public Official;
An Employer; and
An Employee

Respondents were asked to respond to ALL scenarios and state if they "Wouldn't Mind"; would
"Prefer Not or were "Uncertain". The advantage of this approach is that it is a simple way of gauging
the complex circumstances under which persons might be more or less comfortable with
homosexuals and moreover it allows for a "ranking" of the most disconcerting scenarios for
Barbadians.

The national data is presented summarily in figure 04 which demonstrates that Barbadians are MOST
concerned about having a "Child' that is a homosexual and least concerned about having an
"Employee" that is a homosexual. It can also be seen that the extent to which people are most
concerned, least concerned and ambivalent are inversely related. Generally between 30% and 60%
of Barbadians would prefer not to have a homosexual in any of the categories identified, while the
level of uncertainty is between 12% and 18%. Particular attention should be paid to the "Child' and
"Family" categories since in both of these instances, there are as many or more persons who would
"Prefer Not than there are persons who "Wouldn't Mind'. This scenario implies what is perhaps the
area of greatest concern and also a similarity in the way that Barbadians perceive the two categories.

How would you feel about having a Homosexual
as...
J Wouldn't Mind Prefer Not U Uncertain
Child Family Teacher Public Official Friend Employer Employee
Figure 4: How would you feel about having a Homosexual as...
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 13 of 27

The complete analysis of the impact of demographic factors on attitudes is presented in Appendix III;
however the summary and appropriate ranking of preferences is simplified and presented in Table 12.
This relies exclusively on the "Prefer Not classification to generate a table of the homosexual
relationship types that make Barbadians most uncomfortable, along with the manner in which key
demographic variables impact on these dislikes. It can be seen that after "Child", comes "Family" and
then "Teacher". The top three categories are to some extent similar since these are all roles that are
exceedingly close, or considered to be very influential. This highlights a possible basis for the
Barbadian attitude towards homosexuals who are either persons they care deeply for or persons they
fear could influence persons they care deeply for.

In the former category (^'Family") attitudes could be either protective or reflective of moral indignation
and the research instrument was not designed to disaggregate one variant form the other which is
perhaps a deficiency that can be adjusted in future studies. The first aspect speaks to Barbadians
that might be genuinely concerned about the plight of homosexuals within their "Family" who could be
exposed to abuse or hostility because of the way society perceives them. This reaction is firmly
rooted in love and the desire to protect ones loved ones and is very different from moral indignation
which is an attitudinal rejection of behaviour that an individual considers wrong. The former variant
can be considered positive since it would naturally give way to reduced anxiety once the individual is
convinced that the society is sufficiently accepting of their "Family Member", while the latter variant will
be modified more slowly since it is rooted in the individual's core values.

Views on the homosexual as a "Teacher" also speak to potential concerns about "Family Members",
but could also relate to the society as a whole and demonstrate the belief that "Teachers" have
considerable influence and access to children as well as the wider society. "Teacher" concerns are
more likely to arise from the variant referred to as moral indignation combined with the belief that
homosexuals are predatory either in pursuit of their sexual expression or in an attempt to recruit those
subject to their influence. Parents and "Family Members" appear to fear such contact or conversion
and as such are concerned about the influential role of "Teachers". It is also possible that persons
worry about the plight of their loved-ones who having been "converted" into homosexuality by a
"Teacher", might be subject to abuse or condemnation.
Table 12: Ranking of Attitudes Toward Homosexuals (Prefer Not...)

Religion
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Gender Age Group Status
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Child 1111111
Family 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
[Teacher 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Public Official 4 5 4 4 4 7 4

Friend 5 4 6 6 5 4 5
Employer 6 6 5 5 6 6 6
Employee 7 7 7 7 7 5 7
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 14 of 27

These Barbadian attitudes are clearly influenced by the belief that homosexuality is learned behaviour
and there have been several national discussions that support this presumption. The society is highly
religious {although selectively so) and presumes the Biblical prescription to be consistent with what
"is" and not what "ought to be. The homosexual is therefore presumed to be a person who starts life
as a heterosexual and is later converted. If therefore, the society can prevent this conversion it can
save itself considerable problems related to both variants of this attitude being explored. The fact that
sexuality and homosexuality are genetically determined is a case that has already been made in
Barbados but it is clear here that the vast majority of persons are not convinced.

The placement of the "Public Officiaf before the "Friend' but after the "Teacher" implicitly supports the
earlier suggestion that Barbadian attitudes are influenced by their fear of influence since "Public
Officials" have considerably more influence than "Friends". The influence of a "Public Officiaf is less
direct than that of a "Teacher" but could potentially cast a wider net since that official could influence
policy which could impact on the entire society. Concerns about the "Public Officiaf could, like
concerns about the "Teacher" be influenced by both concern for the homosexual as well as moral
indignation. In this regard, however concern for the individual would be replaced by concern about
the "type" of society that might emerge if government policy were seen to be encouraging
homosexuality.

The placement/ranking of "Friend' is to some extent a positive placement since it suggests that
Barbadians are less concerned about their "Friend's" sexual orientation and this could indicate that
there is less moral indignation where such relations are concerned. One could be less than thrilled
about the sexual orientation of a "Friend' but the fact that slightly more than half of Barbadians would
have such a person as a "Friend' regardless, implies greater comfort and the assumption that
persons with dissimilar sexual orientations can co-exist and pursue a mutually beneficial relationship
{friendship) notwithstanding.

The final two ranks were reserved for "Employers" and "Employees" respectively and the fact that
there is more concern about the homosexual "Employer" speaks to the issues of control, influence
and perhaps a fear that a homosexual employer might influence an "Employee" in ways that s/he
might prefer not to be influenced. The placement of the "Employee" last on the list suggesting the
category that persons are most comfortable with, speaks volumes about the extent to which persons
perceive "Employees" to be powerless. The fact that close to 60% of Barbadians would not mind
employing a homosexual is perhaps a good thing in the context of this study that often appears to
present a bleak outlook.
Gender and Attitudes Toward Homosexuality

I Male Female
m
ID
s . ^ ^ ^
L
I
m
P 3! .o ^
^
^r rsi ON
"1 so ^ S S
I 'i 11 i li
Friend Family Employee Employer Teacher Public Official Child
Member
Figure 5: Gender and Attitudes Toward Homosexuals

In figure 05 the gender analysis isolates the "Prefer Not response and demonstrates that across the
board women are less concerned about homosexuals than men and this is especially so regarding
"Friends" where they are half as concerned as the men were. The relationship women are most
concerned about is that of their children, but even here there is an 8 percentage point difference. In
this regard the difference is statically significant which implies that gender does influence attitudes
toward homosexuals.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 15 of 27

Age Group and Attitudes Toward
Homosexuals

118-30 years 31-50 U 51 and over
L
00 t-v
m m
I
Friend
Family
Member
t-v
Ln
00
Ln
m
ID
ID
m m
I
Employee Employer Teacher Public Official
Child
Figure 6: Age Group and Attitudes toward Homosexuals

The age group of respondents is also a factor that significantly influences attitude and in figure 06 this
can be seen since the older persons in all instances are more concerned about homosexuals. It is
interesting that the extent to which persons are concerned in the 18-30 and 31-50 age groups is
similar; however persons over 51 are considerably more concerned. As with the gender based
analysis, the concern about having a "Child' as a homosexual is the issue that presents the smallest
difference in perspective between the age ranges.

Neither marital status nor religion correlates significantly with attitude suggesting that persons are no
more likely to be supportive or opposed to homosexuals as a result of their being married or single, or
on account of their religious persuasion. Notwithstanding, these analyses are presented out of
general interest for purposes of information. It appears as though single people are generally less
concerned and widowed persons most concerned, however this outcome would have influenced by
the small number of widows in the survey and the fact that widows tend to be older. The comparison
that comes closest to being statistically significant is that which compares single persons to married
persons and reflects a small difference between the two in favour of the single persons who seem
more progressive.

Regarding religion it is important to appreciate that several of these categories are quite small and
this impacts negatively on the efficacy of the chi square test, hence the only possible comparison
would be that of Practising to Non- Practising Christians and even these need to be approached with
some amount of caution.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 16 of 27

Marital Status and Attitudes Toward
Homosexuals
Single Married U Divorced Widowed
Friend
Family
Member
Employee Employer Teacher Public Official
Child
Figure 7: Marital Status and Attitudes toward Homosexuals
r
Religion and Attitudes Toward Homosexuals
I Practicing Christian
Jewish
ki Atheist
Non Practicing Christian U Muslim
y Rastafarian u Bahia
Friend
Family
Member
Employee Employer
Teacher Public Official
Child
Figure 8: Religion and Attitudes Toward Homosexuals
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 17 of 27

ATTITUDE TOWARDS HOMOSEXUALS IN A WORD
In this survey a second technique was used to gauge attitudes which is presented in this section and
exploits the respondent's willingness to assess their attitude towards homosexuals in a single word.
Here respondents were asked to select one of three words which best reflects their attitude towards
homosexuals and the responses are presented in figures 09; 10 and 11.

Figure 09 presents the analysis that is associated with the persons who selected the "hate" response
and allows for an analysis of gender, age, income and education correlations. The national response
is presented at the extreme left and indicates that 16% of Barbadians hated homosexuals in 2004.
This extreme variant of homophobia correlates with all of the demographic variables used and we can
see therefore that men are more than twice as likely to manifest these views, and the same can be
said for persons in lower income earning groups since 19% of persons in the lowest income earning
group "hated' homosexuals and this was higher than the national average.

Age and education were somewhat less straightforward to analyse in this category since the youngest
and oldest were equally likely to "hate" homosexuals while the lowest "hate" level was located among
the middle-aged folk that responded. From the perspective of education, the least well educated
persons were most inclined to hate homosexuals, while those educated to the Tertiary levels were
least likely to hate. The peculiar statistic relates; however to persons educated to the Post-Secondary
level that had views which were consistent with those of "Tertiary Levef educated persons. This
suggests that respondents might not have properly understood the educational classification and
some persons who went to Tertiary institutions identified themselves as "Post-Secondary".
"HATE" Homosexuals
ID 1 m fNl 1 1 en 1 ^^H 14% ^^H 13% ^ 7% Np dN ID 1 t-v 1 1 t-v 1 fNl fNl 1 en 1 cn 1 ID 1 1
-z. CD f-t-o' Barbados -n ro 3 ro Sex b o o w w w rvj u) j^ b b b o o o 9 9^ VV VV VV u) j^ yi b b b o o o o o o Income ro b 00 o < ro \ [/I > o \ge Group O) Q-O < ro 3' CD Hi ghe ro n O Q-5t -D H H o fD ro [/I n ^ 0^ ?" ^' ro n < n Qj ^ 1 t o evel of Education
Figure 9: HATE Homosexuals

The level of "tolerance" is measured and analysed in figure 10 which demonstrates that 46% of
Barbadians tolerated homosexuals in 2004 which is slightly less than half of all respondents. In this
instance correlations also emerge since females appear more tolerant than males and persons who
earn more are more likely to be tolerant than those who earn less. The age-related influence is
strange here also since the most "tolerant are those in the middle-age group which is directly
opposite to the "hate" response category. This tends to buttress the earlier correlation and implies
that perhaps younger people are more inclined to be negative towards homosexuals because they
are subject to influence by older persons; however they later grow to appreciate the need for
tolerance and acceptance which happens between 31 and 50. In this instance the educational
attainment analysis appears straightforward and consistent with the previous section's findings that
locates higher levels of tolerance among better educated people.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 18 of 27

"TOLERATE" Homosexuals
ID 1 1 Np dN 00 1 fNl 1 fNl Ln 1 Np dN 00 Ln 00 ID Ln 1 Ln 1 cn 1 1 ID m 1 00 m 1 Np dN cn Ln Np Ln 1 t-v Ln 1
z o' CD Barbados CD ro Sex -n ro 3 ro b b o 9 b o o b o 9 w .^ o o o Income b o y b o o O < ro \ uy y b o o 00 o < ro CD ;;; Age o Group CD Q-O < ro 3' Hi C/i -D H H (T) o fT> fT> n i/i n :2. O rt- ^ IT. g- S £ < o ghest level of Education
Figure 10: TOLERATE Homosexuals

The most positive attitudinal expression provided in this survey was that of "acceptance" which is
presented in figure 11. 17% of Barbadians accept homosexuals and this is strikingly close to the
quantity of Barbadians that "hate" homosexuals. Here also, women are more accepting than men, but
income influences are peculiar since persons who earn more money are more "accepting" but one of
the higher income earning groups ($4,001 $5,000) dips below the national level of acceptance while
the highest income category reflects the highest level of acceptance. This peculiarity could be
explained by the fact that fewer people are in that category and as such unusual variations often
occur.
"ACCEPT" Homosexuals
o
CD
ro
Barbados
Sex
Ln- w w w o l- U) Ul
hj hj U) J^ < 00 H' H'
Q o Q o ro U) Ul O)
1^ o f1 o ~^ o o 3
CJ) o o H' y -< Q.
w w w ro o
U) J^ Ul o O) <

o C!) o f) -^
o o o
o o o
Income
Age Group
CO
ro
n
O
-D
O
CO
ro
n
O

Q.
CD
2
n'
CD
<
o
o
CD
Highest level of Education
Figure 11: ACCEPT Homosexuals
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 19 of 27

The age based analysis continues to appear peculiar as in this instance there is really no statistically
significant variation between acceptance levels that are all separated by one percentage point. It
would appear as though the arguments previously advanced about younger people "learning
tolerance" do not apply to the concept of acceptance which seems to follow a slightly different pattern.
The influence of education is; however consistent with the foregoing sections with the lowest level of
acceptance being among persons who have only had a primary education.
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 20 of 27

COMPARATIVE BARBADIAN ATTITUDES
In this section an attempt was made to establish relationships between the views of Barbadians on
homosexuals and their views on other controversial issues which were also tested in the survey and
these data are presented in figure 12. It should be noted that there were no statistically verifiable
relationships emerging here which indicates that a person's attitude towards homosexuals is not likely
to influence their views on other issues. Figure 12 is therefore only for purposes of information, but
demonstrates that extreme attitudinal indicators towards homosexuals (such as hate) are relatively
low and not matched by any similar opinion on any other issue examined. It is also interesting to note
that the level of opposition to the decriminalisation of homosexual acts was higher than the opposition
to the decriminalisation of Ganja use, which was interestingly enough almost the same as the level of
support for the death penalty. The only statistic that approaches the level of opposition to
decriminalisation is the level of support for Corporal punishment in the home (2004). It is interesting
that support for corporal punishment and issues related to homosexuals are matters which the Bible is
alleged to speak to unequivocally and which has no doubt informed the attitudes of Barbadians on
these issues. It is at the same time equally clear that there is some distance between the proclaimed
support for a Biblical principle (such as opposition to homosexuals and flogging) and the actual
operation of these values by either flogging ones children or hating homosexuals, just as there is a
gap between the quantity of practising and non-practising Christians in Barbados.
r
Comparative Barbadian Attitudes
t-v
00
O
T3
O
T3 S' ro
O -s
fo o ??
S' 3 I
Dj ST
CO CO -n CO O T3
c T3 c T3 O c T3
T3 T3 TO T3 O
O O ro O
7^ 7^ Q- i ro
n ro n < r n
O O o 7T m
i i c n> n
-o -o ro ^
o n f-t- o n hj 3
o O -3
o o ^ O DJ
c 3 [/I c 3 -D ro U) 7?i (1)
3 3 3 ^
CD
CD
3
Figure 12: Comparative Barbadian Attitudes
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 21 of 27

APPENDICES

Appendix I

Survey Excerpts

THE UNIVECSIIT CE THE WEST INEIES

EACUETT CE SCCIAE SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT CE CCVECNMENT, SCCICECCT AND SCCIAE WCDE

Sy22E SUDVEy 2CC4

Good Morning/afternoon/evening I am part of a group of students from the UWI conducting an island
wide survey in which 1000 people are being interviewed on a range of social issues. You have been
randomly selected to be part of this survey and I ask that you consent to being interviewed.

This survey is being conducted by the Department of Government at the UWI and you are given the
assurance that all answers given will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

1. Interviewer's Name 2. PD
Location of Interview {District and Place):
3. Constituency ____________________ 4. Parish
PLEASE CIRCLE NUMBER NEXT TO ANSWER GIVEN

4. Sex Male 1 Female 2

5. Race: Afro 1 Anglo 2 Sino 3 Indo 4
Mixed 5 Other 6

6. Age Group (If unsure call out age groups and ask person to state which one he/she belongs to).

18-30 Years 1 31-50 Years 2 51 and over 3

7. Occupational Status: What is your employment status at present?

Yes, Employed (full-time) 1 Yes Employed (part-time) 2

Housewife/Househusband 3 Unemployed 4

Student 5 Retired 6

Self Employed 7 Other/Won't say 8
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 22 of 27

8. Income: In which of these broad categories would your monthly income fall?
Below $2,000 1 $2001-$3,000 2 $3,001-$4000 3
$4001-$5,000 4 Over $5,000 5 Won't say 6 N/A 6
9. Marital Status: What is your marital status?
Single 1 Married 2 Divorced 3 Widowed
10. Children: How many children (if any) do you have? ___________

11. Religion: What (if any) is your religion?
Practising Christian 1 Non Practising Christian 2
Jewish 4 Rastafarian 5 Bhai 6 Atheist
Muslim 3
7 Agnostic 8
12. Education: What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Primary 1 Secondary
Technical/Vocational 4
2 Post-Secondary
Tertiary 5
13. Homo2: What does the word homosexual mean to you?
Two men 1 Two women 2 A person who likes the same sex 3
14. Homosexual: The topic of homosexuality is currently a topic of discussion, if a person was known
to you as a homosexual, how would you feel about having them as:
A friend: Wouldn't mind
A family member: Wouldn't mind
An employee: Wouldn't mind
An employer: Wouldn't mind
A teacher: Wouldn't mind
A public official: Wouldn't mind
A child: Wouldn't mind
1 Prefer not to 2 Uncertain 3
1 Prefer not to 2 Uncertain 3
1 Prefer not to 2 Uncertain 3
1 Prefer not to 2 Uncertain 3
1 Prefer not to 2 Uncertain 3
1 Prefer not to 2 Uncertain 3
1 Prefer not to 2 Uncertain 3
15. Homo3: What word best describes your attitude towards homosexuals?
Hate 1 Tolerate 2 Accept 3 Don't know 4

16. Corporal: Do you support corporal punishment {flogging) in the home?
Yes
No
Unsure
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 23 of 27

17. Corporal2: Do you support corporal punishment {flogging) in the education system?

Yes 1 No 2 Unsure 3
18. Corporal3: Have you ever flogged your child?

Yes 1 No 2 I don't have a child 3
19. Death: Do you support the Death Penalty?

Yes 1 No 2 Unsure 3 Won't say 4

THANr rcL roc roLc coopccation and assistance
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 24 of 27

Appendix II
2003 Survey Question

HOMOSEXUALITY: Do you think that homosexual acts between male consenting adults should
be decriminalized or made legal in Barbados?
Yes 1 No 2 Not Sure 3 Won't Say 4
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 25 of 27

Appendix III
Demographic Impact on Attitude Towards Homosexuals (Prefer Not...)
c 0) n E 0) > E re o Q. E LU > o Q. E LU o re re o o "E Q. 2 'E o
Male 47% 50% 40% 42% 47% 45% 63%
Female 21% 34% 20% 24% 32% 29% 55%
Afro 32% 40% 30% 32% 38% 36% 58%
Anglo 32% 43% 32% 36% 46% 46% 50%
Sino 25% 50% 25% 25% 25% 25% 50%
Indo 71% 86% 71% 79% 71% 71% 86%
Mixed 44% 50% 33% 36% 47% 38% 72%
Other 36% 55% 36% 36% 64% 73% 82%
18-30 years 31% 38% 28% 33% 37% 35% 57%
31-50 30% 37% 25% 28% 37% 35% 58%
51 and over 40% 51% 38% 38% 46% 41% 63%
$2,000 34% 41% 32% 34% 40% 37% 59%
$2,000-$3,000 34% 42% 26% 30% 38% 40% 56%
$3,000-$4,000 36% 48% 30% 30% 40% 34% 70%
$4,001-$5,000 43% 57% 43% 52% 52% 41% 77%
Over $5,000 26% 40% 23% 26% 49% 33% 63%
Won't say 33% 38% 31% 33% 38% 37% 53%
Single 30% 36% 27% 30% 35% 33% 56%
Married 38% 48% 33% 36% 45% 41% 64%
Divorced 33% 43% 31% 29% 40% 40% 63%
Widowed 47% 63% 47% 50% 55% 47% 67%
Don't Have Children 33% 37% 28% 32% 37% 37% 57%
Have Children 34% 44% 31% 33% 41% 36% 60%
Practicing Christian 32% 39% 30% 32% 40% 35% 58%
Non Practicing Christian 33% 85% 69% 62% 62% 54% 60%
Muslim 69% 75% 75% 75% 75% 100% 92%
Jewish 75% 62% 51% 47% 49% 55% 75%
Rastafarian 60% 50% 50% 100% 79%
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados Page 26 of 27
Sex

Race

Age Group

Income

Marital Status

Children

Religion

Appendix III
Demographic Impact on Attitude Towards Homosexuals (Prefer Not...)
E
c c .92 LJ. > E i2
Bhai 50% 50%
Atheist 58% 49%
Agnostic 36% 20%
Primary 40% 47%
Secondary 34% 40%
Post-Secondary 26% 40%
Technical/Vocational 37% 41%
Tertiary 32% 42%
> o Q. E LU > o Q. E LU o re re o o 3 Q. 2 O
58% 67% 75% 75%
42% 42% 36% 36% 75%
20% 20% 20% 20% 58%
37% 39% 41% 38% 61%
33% 33% 40% 37% 58%
24% 28% 38% 33% 57%
32% 40% 41% 39% 57%
25% 28% 39% 37% 62%
Attitudes toward Homosexuals in Barbados
Page 27 of 27

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