Post 377A repeal: understanding Christian youths' attitudes towards same-sex relationships

• Main Author: Chin, Cedric Zhihao
• Other Authors: Nilay Saiya
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Social Sciences; Section 377A; Christian youth; Same-sex relationships; Legislative change; Social norms; Religious beliefs; Cognitive dissonance; Singapore
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/175975
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study investigates the effects of Section 377A’s repeal on the attitudes of heterosexual Christian youths towards same-sex relationships. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, the study examines the interplay between legal, social, and religious factors on these attitudes. Findings indicate that the repeal of Section 377A had a minimal effect on Christian youths' attitudes towards same-sex relationships. Instead, entrenched social norms and religious convictions play a more substantial role, illustrating the dominance of cultural and religious frameworks over legislative changes in shaping attitudes. The study also highlights cognitive dissonance as a significant challenge for Christian youths in navigating these conflicting domains and uncovers some of the resolution strategies these youths employ to overcome it.