Sex taboos on the way out, poll shows
The poll, which highlights the dramatic change in attitudes towards sex and marriage in the last decade, shows that 71pc of adults agree with cohabitation while 65pc approve of single parenthood. A 1995 survey found that just under 40pc agreed with "living in sin".
The new survey shows that while one in four do not believe in sex before marriage, the majority of these are over 65.
The poll also reveals a growing acceptance of gay and inter-racial relationships. Almost one-third say homosexuals should have the right to marry while two-thirds have no objections to mixed race relationships.
The younger generation has even less time for traditional social mores. More than 90pc of under-25s view cohabitation as a perfectly acceptable alternative to marriage while 88pc agree with sex before marriage. Almost one in two supports gay marriage. However, Ireland is not ready for gay parenthood yet two-thirds of people say the practice is "unacceptable".
And despite our new liberal outlook on sex, the majority believe the legal age of consent at 16 should be raised to at least 18.
The survey also revealed widespread concern about the amount of sex shown on television and in other media. Almost 60pc believe the sexual content of TV is excessive while 55pc feel the same about newspapers and magazines. Surprisingly, only 61pc are worried about sex on the internet.
A sharp urban/rural divide still exists when it comes to sexuality. One in two people polled in rural Ireland approves of cohabitation compared with one in three in urban areas. Connacht/Ulster is the most conservative region. Just under 50pc agree with sex before marriage and single parenthood compared with 75pc in Leinster.
When judged according to their political affiliations, supporters of FG are the most traditional, while SF voters are most radical.
- Gemma O'Doherty
