Views about homosexuality among adults who seldom or never read scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201479%15%3%3%16,085
200765%26%5%5%15,857
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

Views about homosexuality among adults who seldom or never read scripture by religious group

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say homosexuality…

Religious traditionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Buddhist86%10%1%3%147
Catholic77%17%3%3%3,807
Evangelical Protestant57%35%4%4%1,462
Hindu79%15%4%1%120
Historically Black Protestant69%23%5%3%308
Jewish90%7%2%< 1%580
Mainline Protestant74%19%4%2%2,641
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")86%9%2%2%6,116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are ages…

Views about homosexuality18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Should be accepted29%35%23%13%12,518
Should be discouraged14%30%30%26%2,427
Neither/both equally15%35%31%19%492
Don't know14%33%32%20%383
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Views about homosexualityYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Should be accepted19%18%27%28%8%1%12,518
Should be discouraged8%11%25%37%17%2%2,427
Neither/both equally7%14%30%36%12%2%492
Don't know6%14%26%38%13%2%383
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Views about homosexualityMenWomenSample size
Should be accepted49%51%12,705
Should be discouraged70%30%2,469
Neither/both equally68%32%505
Don't know59%41%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…

Views about homosexualityWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Should be accepted73%5%5%13%3%12,570
Should be discouraged71%9%4%12%3%2,443
Neither/both equally70%9%3%13%4%491
Don't know66%5%8%14%7%381
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Views about homosexualityImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Should be accepted13%12%74%12,577
Should be discouraged14%9%77%2,431
Neither/both equally11%11%78%493
Don't know20%12%68%391
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have a household income of…

Views about homosexualityLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Should be accepted28%19%28%24%11,290
Should be discouraged38%21%24%17%2,130
Neither/both equally34%20%27%20%416
Don't know42%20%23%15%291
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have completed…

Views about homosexualityHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Should be accepted35%31%21%13%12,657
Should be discouraged57%27%11%6%2,451
Neither/both equally47%28%15%9%499
Don't know55%31%9%5%397
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Views about homosexualityMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Should be accepted44%10%11%4%30%12,667
Should be discouraged50%6%14%9%21%2,459
Neither/both equally48%8%15%7%22%501
Don't know49%6%14%8%23%396
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Views about homosexualityParentsNon-parentsSample size
Should be accepted27%73%12,667
Should be discouraged25%75%2,463
Neither/both equally25%75%501
Don't know26%74%404
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they…

Views about homosexualityBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Should be accepted35%29%10%1%21%4%12,705
Should be discouraged59%24%7%1%7%2%2,469
Neither/both equally52%25%6%3%9%5%505
Don't know55%22%8%3%7%5%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say religion is…

Views about homosexualityVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted20%33%22%24%1%12,705
Should be discouraged42%34%13%10%1%2,469
Neither/both equally36%37%12%15%1%505
Don't know36%32%18%12%3%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who attend religious services…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted9%35%55%< 1%12,705
Should be discouraged21%35%43%< 1%2,469
Neither/both equally13%40%47%< 1%505
Don't know14%35%49%2%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who pray…

Views about homosexualityAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted25%17%9%48%< 1%12,705
Should be discouraged38%21%10%30%1%2,469
Neither/both equally37%18%7%36%2%505
Don't know38%18%8%32%4%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who attend prayer group…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted3%3%4%91%< 1%12,705
Should be discouraged8%4%5%82%< 1%2,469
Neither/both equally6%5%6%83%1%505
Don't know8%2%6%83%1%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who meditate…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted24%9%5%61%1%12,705
Should be discouraged25%6%5%63%2%2,469
Neither/both equally26%6%3%63%2%505
Don't know30%6%3%56%5%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted40%18%13%27%1%12,705
Should be discouraged40%14%12%33%1%2,469
Neither/both equally45%14%10%28%3%505
Don't know40%12%13%29%5%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted41%17%15%27%1%12,705
Should be discouraged32%13%15%39%2%2,469
Neither/both equally37%12%16%34%2%505
Don't know37%12%13%34%4%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about homosexualityReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted9%16%58%15%2%12,705
Should be discouraged26%6%58%9%2%2,469
Neither/both equally18%10%59%7%6%505
Don't know19%5%58%9%9%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say…

Views about homosexualityThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted21%77%1%1%12,705
Should be discouraged34%64%1%1%2,469
Neither/both equally27%64%6%3%505
Don't know26%63%4%7%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say the holy scripture is…

Views about homosexualityWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted9%21%1%63%7%12,705
Should be discouraged31%29%2%31%7%2,469
Neither/both equally17%25%3%36%19%505
Don't know21%19%6%32%21%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in heaven

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted53%39%8%12,705
Should be discouraged74%19%7%2,469
Neither/both equally64%23%13%505
Don't know64%21%15%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in hell

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted37%55%8%12,705
Should be discouraged61%31%8%2,469
Neither/both equally46%39%16%505
Don't know44%36%20%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…

Views about homosexualityRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Should be accepted27%18%55%12,705
Should be discouraged49%19%32%2,469
Neither/both equally37%29%34%505
Don't know36%37%27%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Views about homosexualityConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted20%38%36%6%12,705
Should be discouraged46%30%16%8%2,469
Neither/both equally37%33%17%13%505
Don't know34%30%18%18%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who would rather have…

Views about homosexualitySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted47%47%3%3%12,705
Should be discouraged62%33%2%3%2,469
Neither/both equally60%26%8%6%505
Don't know50%31%6%13%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say government aid to the poor…

Views about homosexualityDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted38%57%4%2%12,705
Should be discouraged60%35%3%2%2,469
Neither/both equally53%33%10%4%505
Don't know42%40%5%13%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say abortion should be…

Views about homosexualityLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted76%21%3%12,705
Should be discouraged45%50%5%2,469
Neither/both equally44%40%16%505
Don't know42%37%21%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …same-sex marriage

Views about homosexualityStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted86%9%4%12,705
Should be discouraged13%81%5%2,469
Neither/both equally28%31%41%505
Don't know25%27%48%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say…

Views about homosexualityStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted27%69%2%2%12,705
Should be discouraged53%43%2%3%2,469
Neither/both equally43%43%7%7%505
Don't know43%37%5%14%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by views about homosexuality

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say humans…

Views about homosexualityEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted58%20%4%15%2%12,705
Should be discouraged27%26%4%38%5%2,469
Neither/both equally28%31%9%21%11%505
Don't know23%21%13%27%17%406
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.