pewforum.org Topics Issues

Gay Marriage & Homosexuality

prop8-150x120-package
Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S.

A Pew Forum research package provides an overview of the same-sex marriage debate and examines public opinion and religious groups' views on the issue as well as exploring the legal angles.

 
Two-Thirds of Democrats Now Support Gay Marriage
Reports that the Democratic Party may add support for gay marriage to its party platform are in keeping with a significant shift of opinion on this issue among Democrats nationwide. A new report finds that support for same-sex marriage among Democrats has jumped from 50% in 2008 to 65% today.
Most Continue to Favor Gays Serving Openly in Military
As the Pentagon prepares to release its highly anticipated survey of military personnel about the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, a Pew Research Center survey finds that most Americans (58%) say they favor allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the armed forces.
Support For Same-Sex Marriage Edges Upward
Polls this year have found that more Americans favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally than did so just last year.
Few Say Religion Shapes Immigration, Environment Views
Many Americans continue to say their religious beliefs have been highly influential in shaping their views about social issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage. But far fewer cite religion as a top influence on their opinions about several other social and political issues, including how the government should deal with immigration, the environment and poverty.
Majority Continues To Support Civil Unions
A clear majority of Americans (57%) favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to enter into civil unions. This finding marks a slight uptick in support for civil unions and appears to continue a significant long-term trend.
Most Mainline Protestants Say Society Should Accept Homosexuality
The Pew Forum's U.S. Religious Landscape Survey finds that majorities of members two mainline Protestant denominations say that homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society.
A Portrait of Republican Social-Issue Voters
With no clear heir apparent to President Bush, and a nominating contest that remains very much in flux, many 2008 Republican presidential candidates are vying for the support of an influential segment of the primary electorate - social-issue voters.
Changing Faiths: Latinos and the Transformation of American Religion
Hispanics are transforming the nation's religious landscape, especially the Catholic Church, not only because of their growing numbers but also because they are practicing a distinctive form of Christianity.
The Culture War and the Coming Election
At the moment no hot-button issue looms but events could change that quickly April 11, 2007 by David Masci, Senior Research Fellow, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life The 2008 presidential election is still more than a year-and-a-half away, b...
Pragmatic Americans Liberal and Conservative on Social Issues
Most Want Middle Ground on Abortion August 3, 2006 Download the complete report Navigate this Report Summary of Findings Abortion Opinions Stable Most Don't Doubt Their Opinion on Abortion Majorities Continue to Support Stem Cell Research Continue...
Public Opinion Trends on Gay Marriage
A Pew Forum Fact Sheet The Pew Research Center has tracked public opinion on gay marriage as it has fluctuated over the past several years. Following is an excerpt from a June 2006 survey analysis by the Pew Research Center for the People & th...
Public Divided on Origins of Life
Religion A Strength And Weakness For Both Parties August 30, 2005 Download the complete report Navigate this Report Executive Summary Contrasting Party Images: The Political Parties and Religion Evolution & Creationism Religion & Politics ...
Abortion and Rights of Terror Suspects Top Court Issues
Strong Support for Stem Cell Research August 3, 2005 Download the complete report About the Survey Questionnaire Abortion has dominated the early skirmishing over President Bush's nomination of John Roberts to the Supreme Court. But the public tak...
GOP the Religion-Friendly Party, But Stem Cell Issue May Help Democrats
August 24, 2004 Download the complete report Navigate this Report GOP More Friendly to Religion Stem Cell Research Views Shifting Catholic Leaders and Communion Churches and Politics Politicians and Faith Gay Marriage Ten Commandments in Public Bu...
Religious Beliefs Underpin Opposition to Homosexuality
November 18, 2003 Download the complete report Navigate this Report Part 1: Opinion of Homosexuals Part 2: Gay Marriage About this Survey Questionnaire Opposition to gay marriage has increased since the summer and a narrow majority of Americans al...
Religion and Politics: Contention and Consensus
Religion is a critical factor these days in the public's thinking about contentious policy issues and political matters.