Slovak lawmakers have passed a constitutional amendment that further restricts LGBTQIA+ rights.⁠

⁠On 26 September, the amendment, proposed by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s populist-nationalist government, moved forward after it narrowly secured a three-fifths majority vote (90) in the 150-seat National Council.

The recent development comes nearly five months after the lawmakers proposed the changes to parliament. 

Under the amended constitution, same-sex couples have been effectively banned from adopting children, with only married heterosexual couples permitted to adopt.

It asserts that only two genders – male and female – will be recognised, excluding trans, intersex and non-binary identities.

Lastly, the draconian amendment bans surrogacy and gives national law precedence over European Union (EU) law, declaring that “the Slovak Republic maintains sovereignty above all in issues of national identity, culture and ethics.”

According to the BBC, Fico embraced the vote, exclaiming that he would have a shot of liquor to celebrate.

“This isn’t a little dam, or just a regular dam – this is a great dam against progressivism,” the conservative PM added.

Since the news was announced, a range of human rights groups have slammed the Slovak parliament for passing the archaic amendment, including Amnesty International Slovakia.

“This is devastating news. Instead of taking concrete steps to protect the rights of LGBTI people, children, and women, the Slovakian parliament voted to pass these amendments, which put the constitution in direct contradiction with international law,” the group said in a statement.

“Today is another dark day for Slovakia, which is already facing a series of cascading attacks on human rights and the rule of law. The situation of marginalised groups in Slovakia – including LGBTI people – is already dire. These amendments rub salt into the wound.

“Today, the Slovak government chose to follow the lead of countries, such as Hungary, whose policies have led to an erosion of human rights. The only way to stop this decline is to comply with international and European law and introduce proposals to protect human rights for all, while rejecting those that jeopardise these efforts.” 

The editor-in-chief of the Slovak daily, SME, Beata Balagova, echoed similar sentiments in a statement to the BBC.

“The Slovak constitution has fallen victim to Robert Fico’s plan to dismantle the opposition and divert attention from the real problems of society, as well as the austerity measures he had to pass,” she said.

“Fico does not genuinely care about gender issues, the ban on surrogate motherhood or even adoptions by LGBTQ people.”

The president of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini, is expected to sign the anti-LGBTQIA+ amendment into law.

The new issue of Gay Times, featuring King Princess, A Night Like This stars Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson, NFL’s first trans cheerleader Justine Lindsay, and more, is out now – available exclusively to subscribers.

The post Slovakia passes anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that defines sex as binary and bans gay adoption appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Former adult film actor Austin Wolf has received his prison sentence on two counts of child sexual exploitation.

Content warning: This story includes topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable and/or upset.

On 26 September, US District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer sentenced the 44-year-old – whose real name is Justin Heath Smith – to 19 years in prison for one count of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and one count for engaging in a pattern of activity involving prohibited sexual conduct.

Alongside his prison sentence, the court imposed a $40,000 fine and 10 years of supervised release.

“Justin Heath Smith’s crimes against children are horrible. He targeted kids as young as seven, and every New Yorker wants him and those like him off our streets for as long as possible and never again near our children,” US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said in a statement.

“The women and men of our Office, and our law enforcement partners, are laser-focused on ridding our streets of those who sexually exploit our children. The message to predators from our Office is clear: there is no place for you in New York other than prison.”

Smith’s sentencing comes over a year after he was first arrested for distributing and possessing child sex abuse videos on Telegram.

According to the official complaint, a detailed investigation into Smith first started in April 2024 after the intelligence and security service seized the phone of another Telegram user named ‘Target Telegram User-1.’

Instagram

While reviewing the individual’s records, they discovered a correspondence with another account named ‘Anon Anon,’ who was believed to be Smith.

During their exchange, which reportedly took place between 24 March and 28 March 2024, the two users allegedly shared “approximately 200 videos” of child pornography “that depicted children as young as infants,” the document read.

After their arrest, ‘Target Telegram User-1’ took part in an interview with authorities, revealing that they had previously met with ‘Anon Anon’ in person, and shared details that matched Smith’s – including “physical description, vocation, and approximate address,” the document continued.

After ‘Target Telegram User-1’ claimed that ‘Anon Anon’ kept child pornography on his home computer, law enforcement executed a search of Smith’s apartment, where they seized his phone and an SD card. 

On 20 June, nearly a year after his arrest, Smith pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor during his plea hearing.

According to the New York Post, the former adult film star admitted to the court to “inducing a 15-year-old to engage in a sex act” in late 2023 or early 2024.

“I don’t remember through text or [social media], but phones were definitely used. I know what I was doing was wrong,” Smith reportedly said in between sobs.

“I apologise. I knew it was wrong when I did it. I don’t blame anyone else for my conduct [although] it was another person engaging in the conduct. I take full 100 percent responsibility for my actions, and I am prepared for the consequences.”

For more information about the case, Smith’s plea agreement and statements made in court, click here.

The post Austin Wolf receives 19-year prison sentence in child sex abuse case appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Conservative politician Bill Berrien has been exposed for following NSFW accounts – including a non-binary adult film star – despite his “family values” political stance.

Back in July, the Pindel Global Precision CEO entered the 2026 race for Wisconsin governor.

Since then, Berrien has run on a campaign centring around conservative “family values,” which includes aligning with convicted felon and US president Donald Trump, “pushing back on the left’s radical agenda,” and, of course, spewing anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric that refers to trans people as a “radical social experimentation.”

However, the 56-year-old’s right-wing “values” were recently called into question when the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shared a surprising report regarding his online activity.

According to the news outlet, Berrien followed numerous sexually explicit accounts on the publishing platform Medium, including Polyamorary Today and Sexography.

His following list also included sex positive writers Octavio Morrison and Emma Austin, as well as non-binary author and adult film star Jiz Lee.

In a statement to the aforementioned publication, a spokeswoman from Berrien’s campaign brushed off the revelation, stating: “It is absurd to suggest that Bill would know about a particular author’s personal choices or by reading one article by an author would agree with everything else they wrote.

“It is also absurd to suggest that reading articles about sex as a happily married adult man with three children is in any way out of line with conservative Catholic values.”

According to the news outlet, 23 profiles – including the majority of the NSFW ones mentioned above – were removed from Berrien’s Medium following list, following their inquiry into his online activity.

“When you brought this up, he logged in on Tuesday and started messing around, which resulted in some folks being deleted,” another spokeswoman from the campaign told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In addition to his representatives, Berrien shared a statement to The Associated Press downplaying the news.

“There are a lot of important issues that are affecting our state and nation,” he said. “But what is the mainstream media focused on right now? Some stupid articles I read years ago, not the plans I have to reindustrialise our state, turn the economy around, and bring prosperity for all through work.”

Berrien also targeted “mainstream media” in a post on X/Twitter, describing the coverage as “garbage political hits” and exclaiming that it won’t keep him out of “this fight.”

On 23 September, Lee shared their reaction to the news, slamming Berrien for his hypocritical behaviour.

“It’s okay to follow trans porn stars. It’s okay to read articles about sex and relationships,” they wrote.

“What’s not okay is the hypocrisy of backing forceful legislation that restricts what people, trans and otherwise, can do with their own bodies. That is shameful.”

It’s okay to follow trans porn stars. It’s okay to read articles about sex and relationships. What’s not okay is the hypocrisy of backing forceful legislation that restricts what people, trans and otherwise, can do with their own bodies. That is shameful.

www.newsday.com/news/nation/…

[image or embed]

— Jiz Lee (@jizlee.bsky.social) September 23, 2025 at 11:55 AM

The post Anti-trans Republican candidate followed sexually explicit accounts – including a queer porn star appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Former Australian Football League (AFL) player Mitch Brown has shared a heartwarming message to fans after coming out.

On 27 August, the athlete revealed to The Daily Aus that he was bisexual, becoming the first openly queer man in the league’s 129-year history.

Brown – who played 94 matches for West Coast between 2007 and 2016 – said he had a “feeling of peace, but more importantly, comfort and confidence” with his decision to open up about his sexuality.

According to TDA, the 36-year-old initiated the conversation with a DM over Instagram, writing: “Hey [writer] Sam [Koslowski], I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I’m a bisexual man.”

Brown said his time in the AFL never afforded him “an opportunity to speak openly or explore your feelings in a safe way,” describing the culture as one of “hyper-masculinity” where “countless” homophobic comments were heard on the pitch.

“When I was growing up at school, the word ‘gay’ was thrown around constantly,” he said. “For a man in Australia, [it was seen as] probably the weakest thing you could be.”

He also urged the AFL to foster a “sense of change” with more “positive male role models,” adding: “My advice to the AFL would be, let’s celebrate the players who may not be the most successful, but are the most important in our community.”

Since opening up about his sexuality, Brown has been embraced and celebrated by fans, rugby organisations such as the Gold Coast Suns, and the LGBTQIA+ community for his bravery.

After a few days of silence, Brown took to Instagram on 31 August to express his gratitude for the support and to reflect on his coming out journey.

“It has been a few days since I shared my story, and I’ve had space to let it all sink in. Before it went live, there was a part of me that was worried about the homophobia or potential backlash I might receive,” he wrote.

“What happened instead was that the story was met with an overwhelming positive response, for which I am so grateful. With that, I’d like to share a few thoughts.”

Brown went on to express his gratitude to his partner Lou for her “love, strength, and resilience”; his ex, Shae, and their two children; and the TDA team for their care and professionalism.

“I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement, and solidarity that have poured in from people across Australia and around the world,” he continued.

“Every message, every story shared, every word of support has meant more to me than I can say. I will carry that gratitude with me always.”

Brown also gave flowers to the LGBTQIA+ athletes and advocates who came before him – including Jason Ball, Ian Roberts, Isaac Humphries, Josh Cavallo, and Danielle Laidley – praising them for helping “make sport and society more inclusive.”

The Aussie talent then brought attention to the women’s division of the AFL, lauding the organisation for its longstanding history of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in sport.

“The players are role models not only for young women, but for every young Australian who is searching for a place where they can belong,” he wrote.

“I encourage everyone to go and watch an AFLW game – you’ll see what the future of our game can and should look like.”

Towards the end of his statement, Brown expressed his hope that young people, especially queer young Australians, will benefit from his coming out – before issuing a call to action to the AFL.

“It’s time for the AFL and the clubs to commit to genuine change, embedding inclusion not just in words, but in culture, policies, and everyday actions,” he said.

“If we can make our game a place where everyone belongs, the ripple effect on Australian society will be profound. I look forward to joining the movement that started long before me, to create a safer, more inclusive sport, and society for everyone.”

You can read Brown’s complete statement below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mitch Brown (@mitchbrownie)

The post AFL player Mitch Brown breaks silence after historic coming out announcement appeared first on GAY TIMES.

The former New South Wales policeman accused of murdering Australian TV personality Jesse Baird and his boyfriend Luke Davies has pleaded not guilty.

On Tuesday (26 August), Beau Lamarre-Condon appeared in court via a video link to enter his not guilty plea to two charges of domestic violence-related murder and one charge of aggravated break and enter.

When Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdardis asked Lamarre-Condon to confirm his not guilty plea, the latter replied: “Yes, Your Honour.”

In a statement outside the courthouse, the accused’s lawyer Benjamin Archbold told reporters: “My client’s pleaded not guilty to all charges. As you’ll probably appreciate, there are always more sides to every story, and we’ll have an opportunity to tell ours.”

According to an additional report from The Guardian, the case is scheduled to proceed to the Supreme Court on 3 October to be listed for trial, likely in 2026 or 2027.

The recent development comes over a year after Lamarre-Condon – who joined the police force in 2019 and was once romantically involved with Baird – handed himself in to Sydney Police.

According to court documents, Baird and Davies were allegedly murdered between 12:01am and 5:30pm on 19 February, and a “significant” amount of blood was found at Baird’s home in Paddington.

Neighbours reportedly heard a “verbal argument” that morning.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by JESSE BAIRD (@jessebairddd)

Police alleged that the bodies were then moved in a rented van that was captured on CCTV footage the same evening.

A few days later, the remains of Baird and Davies were found on a rural property in the town of Bungonia, 20 minutes from the original search location.

Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty said their bodies were discovered near the entrance and were covered with rock and debris.

“Police located a projectile at the premises which had been discharged… this has been ballistically matched to a NSW Police firearm,” Doherty told reporters.

Instagram @jessebairddd

Baird and Davies’ murder resulted in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisers formally requesting New South Wales police to withdraw from marching in the 2024 parade.

“In recent days, many have voiced their concerns to us, particularly regarding feelings of unease at the Parade. Their concerns centre on whether it can still be a space to protest, celebrate, and advocate for equality, as well as to honour and grieve for those we’ve lost, given the NSW Police’s participation in this year’s event,” they said.

“Our community needs space to grieve the loss of Jesse and Luke, who, before this tragedy, would have been here celebrating with us at the Festival.”

The NSW police obliged the request, with a spokesperson for the force stating: “While disappointed with this outcome, NSW police will continue to work closely with the LGBTQIA+ community and remain committed to working with organisers to provide a safe environment for all those participating in and supporting this Saturday’s parade.”

The post Former Australian police officer pleads not guilty to the murder of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Ann Summers is standing up against anti-trans hate by doubling down on their inclusive store policies and practices.

Over the last few years, the LGBTQIA+ community, especially our trans and non-binary siblings, have become the target of conservative political figures and hateful bigots.

From the 47th president of the United States introducing harmful executive orders that restrict gender-affirming care and ban trans people from participating in sports, to the UK Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, the existence of trans and non-binary people is being continually questioned, undermined and threatened.

Anti-trans sentiment has also gone beyond the political sphere, with it slowly infiltrating the media and retail industry.

Earlier this month, Marks & Spencer came under fire after they apologised to a mother and her daughter for an interaction they had with an employee, whom they claimed was “obviously trans”. 

During the alleged exchange, the employee in question approached the pair, who were in the clothing department to schedule a bra fitting, and asked if they needed any help, per The Telegraph.

In response to the complaint, Marks & Spencer released an apology stating that they were “truly sorry” over the “distress” caused by the interaction.

The company also told The Scottish Sun that their bra fitting service was only for “female customers”, before adding that they meant “biological females”.

M&S’s response was immediately slammed by LGBTQIA+ activists, allies, and customers, with many lodging complaints about the company’s handling of the situation and its lack of support for the staff member involved.

While anti-trans rhetoric seems to be around every corner, there are a handful of businesses that have outwardly expressed their continued support for the trans community, such as Ann Summers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ann Summers (@annsummers)

In a statement shared on Reddit by a former employee of the lingerie chain, the company’s customer service branch affirmed that “inclusivity, support and dignity for all people, regardless of gender identity or expression, are core values for Ann Summers.”

“Our commitment is that every customer and staff member is welcomed, respected and supported. We believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect,” they continued.

“Our inclusion policies reflect that, and we proudly serve and support transgender individuals as part of our services and team. We understand the importance of language, empathy, and creating safe spaces.”

The department also informed the individual that Ann Summers staff training covers the definition of an LGBTQIA+ ally and applies the principle to their bra fitting services, hiring practices and day-to-day workplace culture.

“Please rest assured that Ann Summers is committed to maintaining an inclusive and affirming environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud of the diversity and compassion our community stands for.”

Ann Summers also confirmed their trans inclusive policies in a statement to Pink News, adding that their bra fitting services and dressing rooms are “available to anyone who wishes to use them.”

This isn’t the first time the lingerie and sex toy company has expressed support for the trans community.

In 2021, the executive chair of the company, Jacqueline Gold, told The Times that trans people were “absolutely welcome”.

“We want to support them. We want to empower them. We want to make them feel comfortable. Our changing rooms are open to transgender [individuals],” she said.

The post Ann Summers confirms its support of the trans community: “Our inclusion policies reflect that” appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Gareth Thomas has opened up about some of the horrific abuse he has faced from strangers on the street. 

Back in 2019, the former Welsh rugby captain revealed that he was HIV-positive after a tabloid threatened to out his status.

“Now that you have that information, it makes me extremely vulnerable, but it does not make me weak,” he said in a video uploaded on X/Twitter. “I choose to fight to educate and break the stigma around this subject.”

Since that fateful day, Thomas has fervently used his platform to shatter misconceptions and debunk harmful myths about the condition, earning praise from fans, LGBTQIA+ organisations and other advocacy groups.

But despite his incredible contributions to the rugby world, queer community and HIV/AIDS awareness, the 51-year-old has continued to experience hate from bigoted trolls.

During a recent appearance on Bryony Gordon’s The Life of Bryony podcast, Thomas recalled a harrowing interaction he had with “two young lads” who spat on him on the street.

“I won’t sit here and be big guy and say it doesn’t hurt. So [there were] two young lads who walked past spat at me and called me an AIDS spreader,” he recalled.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by bryonygordon (@bryonygordon)

However, instead of hurling his own set of insults or getting physical, Thomas killed the two individuals with kindness.

“I just stopped, and I opened up my arms. So they walked past me. One spat at my chest, one spat at my feet. They walked past me, they waited for a reaction, and I just opened up my arms, and it kind of put them off because that was completely different,” he continued.

“And then they started calling me names. I was like, ‘Do you want a hug?’ And they were like, ‘We’re not going to have a hug off you. You got effing AIDS.’ And I’m like, ‘Do you want to hug, boys? Do you want to hug?'”

The talented athlete went on to say that he walked away from the interaction feeling that he had won, adding that they wanted an angry reaction from him.

“They wanted confirmation that I was a bad person. And I refused to give the confirmation that I was a bad person,” he continued. 

Elsewhere in his interview, Thomas opened up about the discrimination his loved ones and friends have faced, simply because they are associated with him.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gareth Thomas (@gareththomasofficial)

“[My husband] Steve is HIV negative, but he’s a teacher in college, right? He’s a brilliant teacher. It’s difficult for him at times because he’s afraid of the stigma that might come from the students within the college,” he revealed.

Thomas also revealed that his parents have faced pushback, stating that people once knew them as the parents of “Gareth, the Welsh rugby player.” However, now they are known as “the mother and father of the guy who’s got HIV.”

“So, the stigma that comes with the association of being open and wanting to be authentic in a certain way, but thinking that will last. Will that stigma disappear for me the day after I talk about my HIV virus, because I got nothing to hide anymore?” he said.

“The reality is, the day after is when the shit begins, right? It’s when it starts because you’ve opened yourself up, you’ve made yourself vulnerable.”

In addition to his status, the legendary talent discussed being an “agony aunt” for closeted sports players and gushed about his husband’s longstanding support.

Check out Thomas’ full podcast interview here.

The post Gareth Thomas says he was called an “AIDS spreader” and spat on while discussing HIV stigma appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Hillary Clinton has shared her grim prediction on the future of same-sex marriage in the US.

On 15 August, the former Secretary of State stopped by the Raging Moderates podcast to discuss some of the most “pressing challenges of our time”, including Donald Trump’s volatile presidency, the future of democracy in the U.S. and the economy.

Clinton also shared her candid thoughts on the recent petition formally asking the US Supreme Court to overturn the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling.

In 2015, the landmark 5-4 decision legalised same sex marriage in all 50 states. While some legal experts have expressed doubt that the Court will hear the case, Clinton didn’t share the same sentiment.

“American voters and, to some extent, the American media don’t understand how many years the Republicans have been working in order to get us to this point,” she explained.

“It took 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage. My prediction is they will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion. They will send it back to the states.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @ragingmoderatespod

Clinton went on to encourage LGBTQIA+ couples to consider getting married in the meantime.

“I don’t think they’ll undo existing marriages, but I fear that they will undo the national right. And so fewer than half the states will recognise gay marriage,” she continued.

Elsewhere in her interview, the former First Lady and presidential candidate shed light on the Republican Party’s political game plan regarding the 2026 midterm elections.

“There are going to be real world consequences, but a lot of them are not likely to hit with the velocity and intensity until after the 2026 election. So, they’re trying to set it up so that they can win that election and dump all of this other bad news on the American people,” she explained.

“And they’re doing state capture of capitalism. State capture of institutions. The courts are doing their best, but it’s a slow process. And the Supreme Court gave Trump a big victory when they say no nationwide injunctions to stop allegedly illegal activity.

“I think that in an election we have a better fighting chance, but we’re going to be fighting with maybe one or even two hands tied behind us if Texas does what it wants to do, if other states do what Trump tells them to do because they don’t want a fair fight.

“They don’t want to have a fight about the issues. They want to distract and divert attention away from all of their problems.”

As previously mentioned, former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis – who made headlines in 2015 when she refused to issue marriage licenses to LGBTQIA+ couples – filed a petition in July, urging the US Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges.

In the filing, she described the ruling as being “grounded entirely on the legal fiction of substantive due process” and further claimed that it forced her to choose “between her religious beliefs and her job.”

For more information about the petition and expert opinions on whether the Court will hear the case, click here.

The post Hillary Clinton issues grim warning about the future of same-sex marriage appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Pope Leo XVI is set to meet with representatives from a pro-LGBTQIA+ equality group.

Back in May, the religious figure made history when he was elected as the first US-born pontiff. His placement came two weeks after the passing of Pope Francis, who died after suffering a stroke that was then followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.

In his first public address, Pope Leo XVI said: “We want to be a synodal church, a church that moves forward, a church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close above all to those who are suffering.”

Since that fateful day, the new pontiff has dived headfirst into his holy tenure and is wasting no time to implement change.

On 14 August, the Vatican announced that eight representatives from We are Church (WAC) will participate in a Holy Year meeting of synodal teams and participatory bodies – describing it as “a first for the international church reform movement.”

The aforementioned reps will also be allotted time with Pope Leo XIV and “pass through the holy door,” which is described as a “powerful act of spiritual renewal.”

The landmark Jubilee celebrations are scheduled to take place from 24 October to 26 October.

Shortly after the news was announced, Christian Weisner of We are Church expressed excitement over the group’s inclusion while speaking to Vatican Radio.

“We were pleased that this meeting of synodal teams and bodies of the World Synod will also take place in the Vatican as part of the Holy Year, and that the invitation was open,” he said.

“After two major synodal assemblies in autumn 2023 and autumn 2024, it is important that the synodal spirit and synodal networking remain alive and become even more visible and tangible. This is what we hope for from the meeting, and are happy to contribute to it.

“Our patient work over 30 years, during which we have often been present in Rome at bishops’ synods, council commemorations, papal elections, and other events, may have contributed to this. I also see the passage through the Holy Door as a sign for the church as a whole: to leave mistakes behind and to set out again and again in Christian hope.”

Founded in 1995, WAC has committed itself to “the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church on the basis of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and the theological spirit developed from it.”

The equality group, which is represented in more than twenty countries and has presence in or is cooperating with similar groups, has committed itself to five goals: Shared decision making, full equality for all genders, free choice between a celibate and non-celibate lifestyle, positive evaluation of sexuality and good news instead of a threatening message.

For more information about the LGBTQIA+ and women’s equality group, click here.

The post Pope Leo XIV to meet with pro-LGBTQ+ equality group We are Church appeared first on GAY TIMES.

A new study revealed that LGBTQIA+ people in the US want to get married.

In 2015, the queer community achieved a massive victory when same-sex marriage was legalised across all 50 states – following the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case.

Over the last decade, thousands of LGBTQIA+ couples have exercised their right to get married, with many more considering the possibility.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 59% of LGBTQIA+ US adults under 50 who have never been married say they want to get hitched. Comparatively, 63% of non-LGBTQIA+ individuals under the same age bracket say the same thing.

Upon further investigation, researchers found that of the surveyed LGBTQIA+ adults, those between the ages of 18 and 29 were more than likely to say they wanted to get married compared to those aged 30 to 49.

Non queer adults also displayed similar stats, with 79% of 18 to 29-year-olds embracing marriage, while only 49% of 30-49 year olds agreed.

When surveying those who are divorced, widowed or separated, 49% of LGBTQIA+ adults said they were more likely to get married again. The same couldn’t be said for their heterosexual peers, with only 33% expressing an interest.

The study also shed some light on the respective groups’ views about having children.

47% of non-LGBTQIA+ adults under 50, who don’t have kids, were shown to have more of an interest in starting a family, while only 33% of LGBTQIA+ adults shared the same sentiment.

However, a nearly equal portion of LGBTQIA+ adults (28%) and non-LGBTQIA+ adults (29%) were unsure if they wanted to have children.

Lastly, it was revealed that 37% of LGBTQIA+ women and 36% of LGBTQIA+ men want to have kids someday.

There was a bigger disparity between the straight individuals. 54% of non-LGBTQIA+ men were reported to want children, and 39% of non-LGBTQIA+ women shared the same interest.

The recent data comes at a time when marriage equality is facing a new wave of attacks from Republicans and conservative figures.

In July, former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis – who made headlines in 2015 when she refused to issue marriage licenses to LGBTQIA+ couples – filed a petition urging the US Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges.

In the filing, she described the ruling as being “grounded entirely on the legal fiction of substantive due process” and further claimed that it forced her to choose “between her religious beliefs and her job.”

For more information about the petition and whether the Court will hear the case, click here.

The post Majority of US-based LGBTQ+ people under 50 have marriage aspirations, study finds appeared first on GAY TIMES.