GALLUP: Americans' Acceptance of Gay Relations Crosses 50% Threshold

[jefferson_dem]

Americans' Acceptance of Gay Relations Crosses 50% Threshold
Increased acceptance by men driving the change
by Lydia Saad

PRINCETON, NJ - Americans' support for the moral acceptability of gay and lesbian relations crossed the symbolic 50% threshold in 2010. At the same time, the percentage calling these relations "morally wrong" dropped to 43%, the lowest in Gallup's decade-long trend.



Gallup's annual Values and Beliefs survey, conducted each May, documents a gradual increase in public acceptance of gay relations since about 2006. However, the change is seen almost exclusively among men, and particularly men younger than 50.



Additionally, Gallup finds greater movement toward acceptance among independents and Democrats than among Republicans, and a big jump in acceptance among moderates. Liberals were already widely accepting of gay relations in 2006, and have remained that way, while conservatives' acceptance continues to run low.

<SNIP>

http://www.gallup.com/poll/135764/Americans-Acceptance-Gay-Relations-Crosses-Threshold.aspx

[Arugula Latte]

1. Interesting. The gender gap on the issue flip-flopped.

Men are more accepting now? That is a surprise.

And, to be blunt, every year more and more old bigots croak. :)

[Unvanguard]

6. The difference is probably within the margin of error.

What is interesting is that the gender gap seems to have largely disappeared.

[Arkana]

2. Somehow I'm not surprised that the least tolerant groups are the oldest demographics.

No offense to our older denizens of DU, but I think I know why polls keep showing that shit-assed Arizona law is so popular.

These two people I've known for my entire life are old, white, Catholics. They're a married couple, and neither of them have college degrees.

The husband once told me that his father once told him: "Son, the R in Republican stands for 'rich', and if you ever vote for one of them I will come back from the dead to kick your ass if I have to."

Sounds great, right?

Not quite. They're vigorous supporters of the Arizona law for the same reason the GOP is--because "THE FEDS AREN'T STOPPING THE BROWN PEOPLE".

It's because of folks like them that that law is polling so high--old, socially-conservative Democrats (the couple in question actually have a lesbian daughter and have been in denial about it for about 30 years now, even though she's come out to them).

[goclark]

3. I'm wondering what % of conservatives are "secretly" gay

and how they responded to the Gallup Study....

We need to see higher + numbers , wake up America!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_sexual_orientation

[QC]

10. All vile, hateful, disgusting people are secretly gay.

It must be true, because it gets posted about a hundred times a day on DU, despite any number of reminders of how deeply offensive it is.

[goclark]

15. I hope you know that I was not trying to offend in any way

I believe you thought just the opposite of what I meant.

My uncle is Gay and he certainky very dear to me.

I have two cousins that are Gay and many friends as well
They are openly gay and proud of it.

For that reason and my beliefs, I give $$$ to causes that are supportive of Gay Rights.

I think you meant to put the sarcasm item after what you stated.

I am a strong supporter of the fight.

[nichomachus]

4. I just get all tingly

when my human and civil rights are put up to a vote like people on American Idol.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

11. All our civil rights have been put up to a vote at some point.

That's what happens in a democracy, unless you think that the Bill of Rights were sent down from heaven and put directly into the Constitution.

[applegrove]

5. So Muricans are not so controlled by the wedge issues the GOP has taught. This is good news.

[ProgressOnTheMove]

7. This is something we can genuinely thank the President for. Even though actions have been slow he...

had to win the debate first. The more acceptance, the easier it is for him to pass laws that give the LGBT community more eqaulity. We need to keep going keep thos conversations going. I think we can at least make it up to 60% if we make the case for LGBT rights to everyone we meet.

[Politicub]

17. Thank the gay community before congratulating the President

We have been fighting for years for equality, while the President advises us to slow down or do a study. His middle of the road position on gay marriage does more harm than good and gives quarter to those who want to deny us our full complement of civil rights. A compromise position on this issue is anything but. Justice delayed is justice denied, my friend.

And much of the change of opinion results from people coming out to their friends, family and co-workers. Once people get to know a LGBT person they realize that their day-to-day lives are much like their own.

No one has ever "given" us anything. Any LGBT progress results from a decades long struggle.

But I do appreciate the President's general support of DADT, hate crimes legislation and ongoing calls for civility.

[JI7]

8. this probably has more to do with older people dying and newer generations

oldest age groups tend to be most anti gay. as they are dying off the numbers of people supporting gay rights will increase.

[tabbycat31]

9. not to mention kids today are very accepting

my teenage cousin and her friends (all straight) went to a gay pride day and had the time of their lives. It gives me hope for the next generation.

[Rebubula]

12. Agreed

I have always said that we are 2 or 3 generations away from REAL equality in the 'hearts and minds' of people in relation to race\gender\sexuality.

It will come, but likely NOT in our lifetime. There has been better than 3000 years of racism, sexism and general oppression of those that march to a different drummer than the rest.

[lunatica]

13. I'm not gay but I find this gallup poll offensive

No one's rights should ever be decided by polls. Ever.

Should women's or children's or anyone's rights be decided by average people's uninformed opinions?

[Phoonzang]

14. So....in 2060 almost all Americans will be "accepting" of gay relations? nt

[secondwind]

16. Welcome to the 21st century ........it' about f****** time.