Poll Revealed a Decline in Acceptance of Same-Sex Relationships Among Americans
Americans’ support for same-sex relationships has experienced a notable decline, dropping from 71 to 64 per cent in the past year, according to a recent Gallup poll. The survey, known as the annual Values and Beliefs poll, was conducted between May 1 and 24, encompassing a random sample of 1,011 adults from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
The poll highlighted a decrease in support for various issues related to sexuality and relationships. For instance, acceptance of birth control decreased from 92 to 88 per cent compared to last year, while support for divorce dropped from 81 to 78 per cent. However, the most significant decline was observed in the acceptance of gay and lesbian relationships, which experienced a seven percentage point drop.
Interestingly, Gallup’s data reveals a long-term liberal trend in Americans’ opinions on LGBTQ+ rights. In 2002, only 38 per cent of Americans found same-sex relationships acceptable. However, this year’s decline in support has brought the country back to 2019 levels, when 64 per cent of Americans considered same-sex relationships socially acceptable.
The decline in acceptance was primarily driven by Republicans, as indicated by Gallup’s findings. In 2022, 56 per cent of Republicans found same-sex relationships morally acceptable, but this figure dropped to 41 per cent in the current year. This represents the lowest level of support reported in Gallup’s annual survey since 2014, undoing nearly a decade of progress on the issue.
The decrease in Republican support coincides with a period when conservative factions within the party have been advocating for limitations on LGBTQ+ rights across the nation. Examples include bills passed in over 20 GOP-led states since the beginning of 2021, which restrict transgender kids’ and teens’ access to gender-affirming healthcare and gender-segregated spaces like women-only school toilets.
On the other hand, a strong majority of Democrats and independents continue to support same-sex relationships, with 79 and 73 per cent respectively finding them morally acceptable. However, even among Democrats, there was a 6 per cent decline in support compared to 2022, when 85 per cent of Democrats expressed acceptance.
Despite the decline in acceptance, Gallup’s poll reveals that Americans’ support for same-sex marriage remains robust. Seventy-one per cent of respondents believe it should remain legal, matching the figure reported in the previous year. However, support for same-sex marriage remains lower among Republicans, with only 49 per cent in favour, compared to 84 per cent among Democrats and 78 per cent among independents.
