Methodology

F&M Global Barometer of Gay Rights®

Quantifiable. Expert. Reliable.

Overview

The Franklin & Marshall Global Barometer® (FMGB) utilize a unique methodology combining quantitative research design with qualitative, real-world considerations. Drawing from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Yogyakarta Principles plus 10 (YP+10), the F&M Global Barometer of Gay Rights (GBGR) measures state and societal indicators to determine the extent to which countries protect or persecute their lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) populations.

GBGR Dimensions

The GBGR includes five dimensions: De Jure Protections, De Facto Protections, LGBT Rights Advocacy, Socio-Economic Rights, and Societal Persecution. The five dimensions are comprised of 27 items which measure levels of protection and persecution toward sexual orientation minorities. The score allows for an aggregation of lesbian, gay and bisexual rights.

De Jure Protections

Based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the De Jure Protections domain measures the extent to which a country’s constitution and laws protect the fundamental human rights of LGB individuals. While the a priori function of the state is to protect its citizens, states may discriminate in carrying out this responsibility by criminalizing LGB identities and denying their human rights.

De Facto Protections

Based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the De Facto Protections domain considers the ability of a state to implement laws that ensure the protection of LGB minorities. It is assumed that states that do not criminalize LGB identities will also provide legal protections, such as freedom from arbitrary arrest or the right to a fair trial. However, negative societal attitudes and the influence of regressive political elites may circumvent protective laws, creating conditions where LGB individuals are deprived of legal protections.

LGBT Rights Advocacy

The LGBT Rights Advocacy domain indicates state sanction or suppression of LGBT advocacy. Effective organizing is necessary to further LGBT human rights. States, with their monopoly on the legitimate use of force, may use police forces to protect or impede LGBT minorities’ freedom of association and right to assemble.

Socio-Economic Rights

Based on the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Socio-Economic Rights domain signals LGB individuals’ ability to seek and enjoy socio-economic opportunities without discrimination. Anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, and health are a baseline measure of a state’s commitment to protecting human rights.

Societal Persecution

The Societal Persecution domain captures whether sexual orientation minorities are targeted for violence or murder based on their sexual orientation. It measures the ability of LGB minorities to seek redress from state authorities in cases of unequal treatment or discriminatory violence, as well as the state’s ability to restore justice in such cases.

Data Collection

The FMGB team employs a double-blind coding system to collect and review the data for the 27 items that comprise the GBGR. Items are scored using binary codes (0/1), with each item weighed equally. A country will receive a one (1) if evidence supports the item in the affirmative and a zero (0) if in the negative. To ensure reliability among coders, the FMGB employs an extensive coding handbook that sets the parameters for evaluation.

Grading

Each country’s GBGR score is calculated by dividing the sum of its binary codes by 27, the total number of items, or –– for countries without militaries –– by 26, in order to negate the item related to the military. Then, this score is converted to a percentage and assigned a letter grade (A-F), where 100% (A) is the most protective and 0% (F) is the least protective.

Grading Scale
F – Persecuting
0-9 %
10-19 %
20-29 %
30-39 %
40-49 %
50-59 %
D – Intolerant
60-69 %
C – Resistant
70-79 %
B – Tolerant
80-89 %
A – Protecting
90-100 %

Sources

The FMGB team relies on desk-based research to code the Barometers. Sources include but are not limited to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) World Database; United States Department of State (USDOS) Country Reports on Human Rights Practices; ILGA Europe Annual Review and Rainbow Map; ILGA Monitor (news compendium); ILGA Trans Legal Mapping Reports; Freedom House; Pew Research Center; Afrobarometer; IPSOS; Outright International reports; Amnesty International; Human Rights Watch; Transrespect vs. Transphobia; Human Dignity Trust; Transgender Europe (maps and reports); and TDoR Remembering Our Dead. Other sources include local newspaper reports, international media coverage, and multi-region shadow reports by local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

The F&M Global Barometer of Gay Rights®

204

Countries

27

Items

5

Dimensions

197,986

Points of Data

  1. No death penalty for sexual orientation
  2. No life sentence for sexual orientation
  3. No prison term for sexual orientation
  4. No criminalization of sexual orientation
  5. Hate speech legislation includes sexual orientation
  6. Hate crime legislation includes sexual orientation
  7. Sexual minorities are not restricted or banned from serving in the military
  8. Civil unions for sexual minorities are allowed
  9. Same-sex marriage is allowed
  1. Freedom from arbitrary arrest based on sexual orientation
  2. Head of state supports legalization of homosexuality
  3. Head of state supports same-sex civil unions or same-sex marriage
  4. Majority of citizens are accepting of homosexuality
  5. Sexual minorities have right to privacy
  6. Sexual orientation does not prejudice the right to a fair trial
  1. LGBT organizations are allowed to legally register by the state
  2. National LGBT organizations exist
  3. LGBT organizations are able to peacefully and safely assemble
  4. LGBT Pride events are allowed by the state
  5. Security forces provide protection to LGBT Pride participants
  1. Workplace anti-discrimination laws include sexual orientation
  2. Fair housing anti-discrimination laws include sexual orientation
  3. Healthcare anti-discrimination laws include sexual orientation
  4. Same-sex couples are allowed to jointly adopt
  1. No known acts of murder against sexual minorities
  2. No known acts of violence against sexual minorities
  3. Crimes based on sexual orientation are reported to police