Homosexuality and bisexuality

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Public opinion polls about homosexuality

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Quotations:

Overview:

There have been many instances in the past when various groups have been oppressed: (e.g. non-land owners denied the vote, African-Americans denied the right to marry, African-Americans enslaved, women denied the vote, inter-faith and inter-racial couples denied permission to marry, African-Americans suffering under racial segregation). Each group fought for for and has gradually achieved equal rights. A case can be made that it is reasonable to expect that gays and lesbians will follow the same path over the next generation.

A national poll of Year 2001 U.S. high school seniors indicates that they support  equal rights for gays and lesbians at a much higher level than their parents. North American opposition for equal rights for gays, lesbians and bisexuals seems to be more prevalent in the conservative wings of Christianity, Islam, Judaism and other religions.

Polls have encouraged some to ask for plebiscites on matters like same-sex marriage. Their thinking is that taking those special rights which have been traditionally reserved for heterosexuals and either extending them or denying them to homosexuals should be determined by a vote of the public. If 50% plus one person is in favor of equal rights for gays and lesbians, then they should enjoy them. Otherwise, not. This belief establishes a very dangerous precedence. If the state can deny any minority certain rights, then nobody is really safe. After all, the vast majority of Americans are members of at least one minority.

The Pew Research Center conducted a public opinion poll between 2008-MAY-21 and 25. This was shortly after the Supreme Court of California issued a ruling legalizing SSM in the state. For the first time ever, Pew Research found that a minority of American adults (49%) opposed SSM. ₁

Topics covered in this section:

** These topics are of particular interest, because they give insight into what the next generation believes.

Additional information:

Reference used:

1. "Gay Marriage Is Back On The Radar For Republicans, Evangelicals But Overall Opposition to Gay Marriage is Less Than in 2004," Pew Research Center, 2008-JUN-12, at: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/

Copyright © 2001 to 2008 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2001-JUL-30
Latest update: 2008-JUN-22
Author: B.A. Robinson