Sexual orientation, political trust, and same-sex relationship recognition policies: evidence from Europe

This study uses data from the European Social Survey to analyze the impact of same-sex relationship recognition policies on the political trust of sexual minorities. We exploit temporal and geographical variation in the passage of same-sex relationship recognition policies to test the effect of these policies on the political trust of sexual minorities. Findings suggest that same-sex relationship recognition policies increase the trust that sexual minorities have in the actors and institutions that were integral to the policy change. The findings further suggest the existence of an incentive mechanism for politicians and political parties to follow public policies that reduce structural stigma of minority groups and improve their political trust.