Social-psychological and socio-structural correlates of negative attitudes toward asexuals’ parenting rights

This study examined relations between political ideology, religiosity, individual characteristics, belief in a just world, and attitudes toward asexuals’ parenting rights aiming to gain a better understanding of the complex roots of sexual prejudice. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2 and July 30, 2021, via an online survey. Two hundred and four participants were recruited for this study. A between-subject, correlational design was employed. Bivariate correlation was generated to explore the associations between variables of interest. Next, a bootstrapping analysis for simple mediation models was conducted. Also, a multiple regression model was employed to predict attitudes towards asexuals’ parenting rights from the study measures. This study suggests that religious opposition to asexuals’ parenting rights is attributable, at least in part, to political ideology. In addition, gender is also a significant factor influencing the formation of attitudes toward asexuals’ parenting rights. In light of the current debates regarding the expansion of sexual and gender minority rights in several countries, this study presents a timely investigation into the underpinnings of opposition to asexuals’ parenting rights. Research data in this scarcely researched field may support the efforts of advocacy groups to promote social justice.