A survey of a random sample of 1,013 Hong Kong residents between August 3 to 15 has found that politicians supporting equal rights for LGB people are mostly viewed favourably or neutrally.

When asked how they viewed politicians who supported equal rights for LGB people, 76 per cent chose ‘favourably’ or said it would not affect their opinion. 23 per cent answered that they would have a negative view of a pro-LGB politician.

Respondents were also asked how they viewed politicians who opposed LGB equality. The poll found that those politicians who opposed equality for LGB people were viewed unfavourably by 52 per cent.

The survey also revealed that pro-establishment respondents were more likely to have positive attitudes towards anti-LGB politicians and that localist leaning respondents were more likely to have negative attitudes towards anti-LGB politicians and view pro-LGB politicians favourably.

Suen told Hong Kong Free Press that “Before this, I would think that the public would be more opposed to politicians taking a [positive] stance, because this is what is said in society… [I]n these few years, along with the discussion, the public has slowly learnt to set apart the equality of LGB individuals and their own moral systems and values.”

“Politicians might not need to fear such a strong public backlash as it may have been imagined for supporting equal rights for LGB people,” said the study.