|
Attitudes About LGBT Community: The Times They Are a-Changin' |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
 New report released by Public Religion Research Institute shows improving attitudes about lesbian and gay people and support for LGBT issues like civil unions, same-sex marriage, adoption by gay and lesbian couples and allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military.
In the wake of the recent federal court ruling on same-sex marriage, a new report released today by Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) contains new analysis and assessment of more than two decades of polling on attitudes about lesbian and gay people and issues.
The PRRI report reviews the entire history of polling on attitudes about homosexuality and gay rights since 1987 by The Pew Research Center, one of the most important sources of nonpartisan public polling information on American cultural and political attitudes. The report examines shifting public attitudes on gay and lesbian issues, assesses question design, and offers suggestions for future best practices.
Trend Highlights:
The report includes an index of every question Pew has asked since 1987, which include questions about the nature of homosexuality, attitudes toward gay and lesbian people, and policy questions. Among the trends:
- Support for civil unions has steadily increased, moving up 12 points from 45% in 2003 to a solid majority 57% in 2009.
- Support for same-sex marriage has also increased, though less steadily. Support for same-sex marriage has increased from 30% in 2003 to 38% in January 2010.
- Support for adoption by gay and lesbian couples grew from 38% in 1999 to 46% in 2008, with 48% opposed. Over the last thirteen years, the percentage of Americans who agreed that more gay and lesbian couples raising children was “a bad thing” for society fell by 14 points, from a solid majority (56%) in 1997 to only 42% in January 2010.
- Support for allowing gay and lesbian people to serve openly in the military has risen from 52% in 1994 to 58% in 2005, and 61% in February 2010.
- In July 1994, 46% of the public said homosexuality is “a way of life” that should be accepted by society, while 49% said it should be discouraged. By 2007 the numbers had reversed: half said homosexuality should be accepted, and 4-in-10 said it should be discouraged.
- The percentage of regular church attenders who say their clergy talk about “laws regarding homosexuals” increased from 36% in 1996, to 41% in 2003, and to 52% in 2006. In 2003, nearly three-quarters of those who had heard their clergy speak about “issues related to homosexuality” reported that their clergy said homosexuality should be discouraged.
- Between 2003 and 2006, the percentage of people who believe sexual orientation could not be changed rose from 42% to 49%.
The Full report is available here:
http://www.publicreligion.org/objects/uploads/fck/file/Pew%20LGBT%20polling%20FINAL%2008-20.pdf
|
