 |
of Gay, Lesbian & Bi Americans |
|
Compiled By GayToday
 Washington, D.C.-- A new poll released by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows
increased acceptance of gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans but expresses
concern that even in this improved environment discrimination and violence remain
persistent problems.
The data also shows that the American people strongly support federal legislation to battle hate violence and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. According to the poll, large majorities of the public support federal legislation that would address hate violence and ant-gay discrimination with 73 percent of Americans supporting hate crime legislation; 76 percent supporting federal protection from employment discrimination, and 74 percent in favor of protection from housing discrimination.
But an alarming 74 percent report that they have experienced prejudice and discrimination, and 32 percent report that they have been the target of physical violence. Additionally, 74 percent of LGB people report being the victims of verbal abuse. Forty-one percent of believe that there is more violence directed towards them today than a few years ago. The survey found that 78 percent of the American people believe that gay men and lesbians experience at least some prejudice and discrimination - including more than half, 57 percent, who say "a lot," and 39 percent who think there is more violence toward gays and lesbians in this country today than a few years ago. More than half, 55 percent of the general public, opposes legally sanctioned gay and lesbian marriages; while 39 percent support it. This is up from previous surveys conducted in 1998, where 33 percent were in favor of marriage and in 1992 when only 27 percent were in favor. The public is less inclined, 42 percent, to oppose legally sanctioned gay and lesbian unions or partnerships, and more, 47 percent, support it than oppose such a policy. Support on adoption rights for LGB families is split, with 46 percent opposing it and 47 percent in favor. Support for adoption rights for couples has increased in recent years - from 29 percent in 1994 and 36 percent in 1998. The public's evolving views on gay and lesbian parenting are further shown in the fact that 56 percent of the public believes that gay and lesbian couples can be just as good parents as heterosexual couples. The future of LGB equality remains bright, according to the poll, with the a wide majority of 18- to 29-year-olds supporting gay and lesbian rights. For instance, 68 percent support gay unions or partnerships; 60 support the right to marry and additional 55 percent are in favor of adoption rights for LGB couples. Two thirds of the general public believe there is more acceptance of gays and lesbians today compared to a few years ago, and a majority feel that greater acceptance is either good for the country, twenty nine percent, and 44 percent believe that it doesn't matter one way or the other. In the workplace, 78 percent of people say they would feel comfortable working with someone who is openly gay or lesbian.
Two thirds of the general public believe that homosexual behavior is a normal part of some people's sexuality - 36 percent completely agree and 33 percent somewhat agree. More than a quarter disagree - 20 percent completely and 8 percent somewhat. However, about half of the general public believes that homosexual behavior is morally wrong - 38 percent strongly agree and 13 percent somewhat agree. Three quarters, 73 percent, of the general public now know someone who is gay or lesbian, up from 55 percent in 1998. Those who know someone who is gay are significantly less likely, 47 percent, to believe that homosexuality is morally wrong compared to those who do not know someone who is gay, 68 percent. According to the poll, views on homosexuality vary by religious affiliation and gender. For example, 60 percent of Evangelical Christians "completely agree" that homosexuality is morally wrong, compared to 31 percent of non-Evangelical Christians and 27 percent of Catholics. Women are somewhat less likely than men to believe this, 28 percent and 56 percent respectively. |
The majority would also allow their
children to attend high school, 71 percent, or elementary school 61 percent,
if the teacher were openly gay or lesbian. And 58 percent would vote for a
gay or lesbian political candidate. Americans, however, are more divided as
to whether they would, 46 percent or would not, 49 percent, attend a church
or synagogue where the minister or rabbi is openly gay or lesbian.
