BUCHAREST, September 8, 2008 (AFP) - Romanians came across as an intolerant people Monday in a Gallup poll that suggested that a majority harbour deep prejudices against homosexuals, Roma and people with AIDS.

Sixty-eight percent thought homosexuality was a 'bad choice' and 36 percent felt gays should be punished in some way for their sexual preference, from the curtailment of certain rights to fines or even jail terms.

Around two-thirds of the 1,200 respondents -- surveyed in July for the National Council for Combatting Discrimination (CNCD) -- said they would not want a homosexual as a friend, neighbour or work colleague.

Nearly 50 percent meanwhile said they would not want contact with someone who was HIV-positive or suffering from AIDS, and 20 percent wanted no contact with people with handicaps.

Some 29 percent thought children with AIDS should be segregated in school, and 71 percent said that with AIDS should publicly declare their illness.

Among ethnic minorities, 42 percent of Roma (gypsy) respondents said they had suffered discrimination at work, school or in public bars. By comparison, 15 percent of ethnic Hungarians said they felt discriminated against.

Forty-four percent of Romanians said Roma spoiled Romania's image abroad, way ahead of politicians and criminals, and 50 percent described Roma as 'dishonest' and 'lazy'.

Romanians saw themselves as hard-working and hospitable -- and held an even more favourable opinion of Chinese.

The Gallup Organization Romania said the margin of error was plus or minus 2.8 percent.