Gallup reports a decrease in Americans viewing same-sex relations as morally acceptable, dropping from 71% to 64%. This shift is largely attributed to changing opinions among Republicans, with only 41% now viewing these relations as acceptable, a decrease from the previous year’s 56%. This marks a return to attitudes similar to those in 2019. Meanwhile, acceptance of the death penalty has increased slightly among all political affiliations. The survey also highlights enduring gaps in moral acceptance of various issues between Republicans and Democrats, particularly on same-sex relations and the death penalty.
Gallup reports:
Last year, a record-high 71% of U.S. adults said gay or lesbian relations are morally acceptable. The figure has fallen back this year to 64%, returning to a level last seen in 2019. Still, Americans are far more likely to consider same-sex relations as morally acceptable than in the past, including 38% in 2002 and 54% in 2012. The figure has been 60% or higher since 2015.
The decline in the percentage of Americans believing gay or lesbian relations are morally acceptable is mainly a result of fewer Republicans holding that view — 41% do now, down from 56% a year ago. The current figure is the lowest Gallup has measured for Republicans since 2014 (39%). Between 2020 and 2022, majorities of Republicans approved of gay or lesbian relations.
Democrats (79%) and independents (73%) continue to be much more likely than Republicans to find gay or lesbian relations morally acceptable.
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Key Points
- There’s a significant drop in Americans considering same-sex relations as morally acceptable, led by a shift in Republican viewpoints.
- Acceptance of the death penalty has slightly increased across political groups.
- Large partisan differences persist in moral viewpoints on several issues, especially same-sex relations and the death penalty.
| Themes | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Social Acceptance | Increased inclusivity and acceptance of diverse relationships in the past. | The recent decline could signal growing societal divisions and reduced tolerance. |
| Political Influence | Reflects the dynamic nature of public opinion influenced by political and social climates. | Sharp partisan divides may hinder societal consensus and policy advancements. |
Questions to Consider
- What factors might contribute to the fluctuating levels of moral acceptance for same-sex relations in the U.S.?
- How do political affiliations influence individuals’ views on moral issues?
- What could be the long-term implications of these shifts in moral acceptance of legislation and social policies?
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