Public support for equal marriage dips in US for the first time in almost a decade
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Public support for equal marriage and other legal protections for LGBTQ+ people has fallen in the US for the first time in almost 10 years, according to research conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). The PRRI’s American Values Atlas, launched in late 2014, surveyed over 22,000 adults throughout 2023 to gauge Americans’ views on LGBTQ+ equality issues across all 50 states.
The survey revealed a decline in support for LGBTQ+ rights across three key categories in the past year: non-discrimination protections, religiously-based service refusals, and same-sex marriage. Overall support for protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodation dropped from 80% in 2022 to 76% in 2023.
Interestingly, while attitudes among Democrats remained steady on all three measures, there was a noticeable increase in Republican opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. Opposition to services being allowed to refuse service on religious grounds decreased from 65% in 2022 to 60% in 2023, with Republican opposition reaching its lowest level (34%) since 2015. Additionally, support for same-sex marriage saw a slight decrease, with 67% of respondents in favor compared to 69% the previous year.
One striking finding from the survey was the negative correlation between support for Christian nationalism and support for LGBTQ+ rights across all 50 states. Melissa Deckman, PRRI’s chief executive, noted that while support for LGBTQ rights dipped slightly from 2022 to 2023, the majority of Americans still endorse anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals and the rights of same-sex couples to marry.
Deckman also highlighted the growing partisan divide on these issues, attributing it to the continuous use of LGBTQ identity and rights as a wedge issue in the nation’s culture wars. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported tracking over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed last year, indicating a concerning trend towards rolling back protections for LGBTQ individuals.
The decline in public support for equal marriage and LGBTQ+ rights raises questions about the factors driving this shift in attitudes. Some experts suggest that ongoing political polarization and the weaponization of LGBTQ rights as a divisive political issue may be contributing to the decrease in support among certain groups.
As the debate around LGBTQ rights continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider the implications of diminishing public support for equal marriage and legal protections for LGBTQ individuals. Advocates and policymakers must work towards fostering a more inclusive and accepting society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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