GLAAD/Harris post-election survey: Americans favor adoption and partner rights for same-sex couples
by: Pam Spaulding
Wed Dec 03, 2008 at 09:30:00 AM EST
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8482 (http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8482)
And they support inclusive hate crimes laws and the ability of gays and lesbians to openly serve in the military. The voters in California, Florida and Arkansas clearly aren't on the same page as most Americans when it comes to extending rights to gay couples.
A national survey conducted in November, "The Pulse of Equality" by Harris Interactive that was commissioned by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is out today. The survey is the first national snapshot after election day to poll U.S. adults' overall attitudes towards LGBTs on several key issues. Among its findings:
* Three-quarters of U.S. adults (75%) favor either marriage or domestic partnerships/civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. Only about two in 10 (22%) say gay and lesbian couples should have no legal recognition. (Gay and lesbian couples are able to marry in two states, and comprehensive civil union or domestic partnership laws exist in only five others and the District of Columbia.)
Quotefeelings toward gay and lesbian people have become more favorable over the past five years, with contributing factors including: knowing someone who is gay or lesbian (79%),
QuoteNearly three out of four Americans (73%) personally know or work with a gay or transgender person, and half of those who know or work with someone who is gay or transgender know five or more gay or transgender people.
Don't argue with people. Just get to know them.