American support for the queer community rises amidst growing number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills
A new survey revealed that American support for the LGBTQ+ community has increased. In the Public Religion Research Institution (PRRI) study, nearly 79% of US citizens favoured laws that protected the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination in jobs, housing, and public accommodations.
Over the last few years, that percentage has fluctuated between 69% and 76%. In terms of the members of the Republican Party, support for the LGBTQ+ protections rose from 61% to 65% over the course of six years.
Since 2015, LGBTQ+ acceptance within religiously affiliated groups has also increased. Nine in ten Catholics of colour (89%), Buddhists (87%) and religiously unaffiliated Americans (87%) support the queer community. “In addition, eight in ten or more Jewish Americans (85%), Hindus (85%), Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (84%), Hispanic Catholics (83%), white mainline Protestants (82%), white Catholics (80%), and members of other religions (80%) support nondiscrimination laws to protect LGBTQ people,” the report said.
Even though support has risen within certain groups, there were no significant increases from a geographic standpoint. However, support for LGBTQ+ protection laws has increased by 11% in states like Maryland, Hawaii, Washington, and Nevada – as well as the District of Columbia.
