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 | "The center is shifting because millions of 'Dick Cheneys,' people in the middle who might prefer not to think about the rights of gays and lesbians, one day see the issue indelibly stamped with the faces of their daughters, sons, neighbors and friends." Margorie Williams, 2000-OCT-13, Washington Post. |
| "[homosexuals are] brute beasts...part of a vile and satanic system [that] will be utterly annihilated, and there will be a celebration in heaven." Jerry Falwell, 1984-MAR. |
| "You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image, when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do." Anne Lamott |
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, everyone is a member of at least one minority.
Topics covered in this section:
| About public opinion and polling | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Polling results:
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| Canadian Polling results:
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** These topics are of particular interest, because they give insight into what the next generation believes.
Additional information:
| An essay on this web site about opinion polls on same-sex marriage |
| The Gallup Organization has a detailed analysis of all of its recent homosexual-related polls. See: "POLL ANALYSES: American Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Continue to Become More Tolerant: New Gallup poll shows continuation of slow, but steady, liberalization of attitudes," 2001-JUN-4 at: http://www.gallup.com/poll/releases/pr010604.asp |
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Site navigation: Home > "Hot" religious topics > Homosexuality > Basic data > here |
Copyright © 2001 to 2007 by Ontario Consultants on Religious
Tolerance
Originally written: 2001-JUL-30
Latest update: 2007-JUL-23
Author: B.A. Robinson
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