"I will be studying the attitudes towards homosexuality in Poland and the Czech Republic. Using the comparative approach of a 'most similar systems design' study, I want to isolate the key variable that leads to the differing views on this issue between two neighbouring countries. Both Poland and the Czech Republic share key similarities that might influence the degree to which they embrace gay rights. They share a history of Soviet oppression, wide acceptance of traditional gender roles, similarities in language and customs, and both are identified as West Slavic, the smallest of the Slavic divisions. The final point shows that not only from an international perspective are both countries related, but even within the Slavic context itself the two nations are considered to have a shared likeness of history, norms and culture.
I believe the key difference between the two countries is the adoption of Catholicism by Poland following Soviet occupation. The Czech Republic refrained from adopting this denomination, the consequence of which, I believe, being a more progressive society on the topic of homosexuality. Furthermore, I shall look to examples outside of Poland that demonstrate how, when taken seriously in governance, Catholicism breeds institutional homophobia, as well as normalising this form of discrimination in public thought. The research question of this study asks: "Does Catholicism foster negative attitudes towards homosexuality?" The hypothesis being that Catholicism does foster negative attitudes towards homosexuality."