---
title: "Russia’s moral barometer: Homosexuality unacceptable, but drinking, less so"
description: "Nearly three-quarters of the Russian population (72%) think that homosexuality is morally unacceptable, with only 18% saying it is acceptable or not a moral issue."
date: "2014-02-06"
authors:
  - name: "Jacob Poushter"
    job_title: "Associate Director, Global Attitudes Research"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/jacob-poushter/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2014/02/06/russias-moral-barometer-homosexuality-unacceptable-but-drinking-less-so/"
categories:
  - "LGBTQ Acceptance"
  - "LGBTQ Attitudes & Experiences"
  - "Medicine & Health"
  - "News Media Trends"
---

# Russia’s moral barometer: Homosexuality unacceptable, but drinking, less so

[![FT_Russia_Homosexuality](https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/02/FT_Russia_Homosexuality.png)](https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2014/02/FT_Russia_Homosexuality.png)

The Olympic Winter Games in Sochi have shone a spotlight on the [status of gays and lesbians](http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/30/olympic-athletes-russia-repeal-anti-gay-laws) in Russia. In particular, attention has focused on the [anti-homosexual “propaganda” law](http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/homosexual-propaganda-law-signals-latest-russian-crackdown-v19699629), which was approved by the Russian parliament in a 436-0 vote last June. While President Vladimir Putin has defended the legislation as non-discriminatory, the measure has generated a significant backlash among [Western countries](http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/sochi/2013/12/17/white-house-sochi-olympics-delegation-to-include-gay-athlete/4051581/) and [Olympic athletes](http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/30/olympic-athletes-russia-repeal-anti-gay-laws).

But when it comes to public opinion in Russia, newly released data from a 2013 Pew Research Center survey suggests a similar reaction is unlikely: nearly three-quarters of the Russian population (72%) think that homosexuality is morally unacceptable, with only 18% saying it is acceptable or not a moral issue. In Russia, homosexuality tops the list of unacceptable behaviors even in comparison to other controversial issues, such as abortion and alcohol consumption. In fact, extramarital affairs (69% unacceptable) and gambling (62%) are the only other issues tested that are frowned upon by a majority of the Russian people.

This sentiment cuts across Russian society. Nearly equal numbers of men and women and young (18-29) and old (50+) think homosexuality is morally unacceptable. In addition, 65% of Russians with a college degree think homosexuality is immoral, while 75% without a college degree concur. Even among those Russians who think religion is not too or not at all important in their lives, 65% say homosexuality is wrong.

[![FT_Russia_Alcohol](https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/02/FT_Russia_Alcohol.png)](https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2014/02/FT_Russia_Alcohol.png)

Russians generally agree that extramarital affairs and gambling are also unacceptable, but they are more divided when it comes to abortion and alcohol usage. Both are seen a morally unacceptable by 44% of the population, but 35% and 39% respectively say these are acceptable or are not a moral issue.

There is a stark gender and age divide on attitudes toward drinking which has long been an issue troubling Russian society. About half of Russian women (52%) say drinking alcohol is morally wrong, but only 36% of Russian men agree. And 52% of Russians over the age of 50 also say drinking is morally unacceptable, while only 39% of those under 30 say the same. A [recent study published](http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)62247-3/fulltext) in *The Lancet* medical journal reinforces evidence “that vodka is a major cause of the high risk of premature death in Russian adults,” and a quarter of [Russian men die](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25961063) before they are 55, mostly due to alcohol.

On the issues of premarital sex, divorce, and contraceptives, Russians are on balance accepting of these practices. Four-in-ten say sex between unmarried adults is an acceptable moral practice, while 46% agree that divorce is morally acceptable. And a 62%-majority think contraceptive use is proper, with only 7% saying that using a contraceptive is a morally unacceptable action.

*Note: This data will be published in a forthcoming report that looks at global attitudes towards morality more broadly. The topline for this data** *[*can be found here*](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2014/02/06/russia-morality-topline/)*.*