The Effect of Same-sex Marriage Policy on Social Acceptance of Sexual Minorities: Evidence From Spain

Introduction : Laws have the potential to influence social norms and attitudes, particularly regarding moral values and minority groups. This study examines how the introduction of Same-Sex marriage rights in Spain affected societal attitudes toward Lesbian and Gay communities. Methods : Using survey data from two waves of the European Social Survey (ESS) for 20 European countries (72,114 observations), this study employs a difference-in-differences approach to analyze attitudes before and after the 2005 policy change in Spain. The analysis also explores variations in response across personality traits and social groups. Results : The introduction of Same-Sex marriage policy had a positive and significant effect on mass attitudes toward Lesbian and Gay communities. These effects extended to traditionally less tolerant groups, such as men and religious individuals. However, there was no significant evidence of an effect on far-right individuals. Conclusions : The findings suggest that laws can shape societal values and foster greater acceptance of minority groups, even among populations that are traditionally less tolerant. Policy Implications: Policymakers should consider the broader societal benefits of inclusive legislation, such as reducing prejudice and promoting tolerance, when designing and implementing policies aimed at protecting minority rights. JEL Classification : K36, J15, Z13, D72