Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201467%26%4%4%8,498
200756%33%5%6%7,279
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 in the West by religious group

% of adults in the West who say homosexuality…

Religious traditionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Buddhist84%15%1%< 1%113
Catholic71%22%4%3%1,660
Evangelical Protestant42%48%5%5%1,819
Historically Black Protestant52%38%7%3%143
Jewish92%5%3%< 1%181
Mainline Protestant72%20%6%3%1,141
Mormon33%59%5%3%480
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")85%9%3%3%2,388
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who are ages…

Views about homosexuality18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Should be accepted27%35%24%14%5,517
Should be discouraged16%34%28%22%2,221
Neither/both equally12%39%32%17%331
Don't know14%34%29%22%257
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who are…

Views about homosexualityYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Should be accepted17%17%28%28%9%1%5,517
Should be discouraged10%12%28%33%15%2%2,221
Neither/both equally6%11%34%37%11%1%331
Don't know7%14%27%36%13%2%257
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who are…

Views about homosexualityMenWomenSample size
Should be accepted46%54%5,609
Should be discouraged55%45%2,276
Neither/both equally56%44%341
Don't know52%48%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who identify as…

Views about homosexualityWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Should be accepted57%4%10%25%4%5,530
Should be discouraged55%6%8%26%5%2,243
Neither/both equally54%8%4%29%5%331
Don't know50%3%8%29%10%252
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who are…

Views about homosexualityImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Should be accepted22%15%63%5,556
Should be discouraged26%10%64%2,233
Neither/both equally20%14%66%335
Don't know24%9%67%263
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted33%20%25%22%5,006
Should be discouraged37%21%25%17%1,969
Neither/both equally35%25%22%18%293
Don't know39%20%24%16%203
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who have completed…

Views about homosexualityHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Should be accepted35%33%19%12%5,579
Should be discouraged44%33%15%8%2,262
Neither/both equally36%43%13%8%339
Don't know48%34%11%7%269
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who are…

Views about homosexualityMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Should be accepted44%11%13%5%28%5,585
Should be discouraged57%5%13%7%18%2,265
Neither/both equally49%9%14%10%18%339
Don't know48%9%14%5%24%267
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who are…

Views about homosexualityParentsNon-parentsSample size
Should be accepted28%72%5,589
Should be discouraged31%69%2,265
Neither/both equally29%71%339
Don't know29%71%267
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted46%25%9%1%16%3%5,609
Should be discouraged80%12%3%1%2%1%2,276
Neither/both equally66%21%3%2%6%3%341
Don't know67%18%5%1%4%4%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who say religion is…

Views about homosexualityVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted35%29%17%18%1%5,609
Should be discouraged75%16%5%3%< 1%2,276
Neither/both equally58%25%7%9%2%341
Don't know55%21%12%8%4%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted21%36%43%< 1%5,609
Should be discouraged59%25%15%< 1%2,276
Neither/both equally34%36%29%1%341
Don't know39%24%34%3%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who pray…

Views about homosexualityAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted41%15%7%36%1%5,609
Should be discouraged76%12%3%9%1%2,276
Neither/both equally57%16%3%21%2%341
Don't know57%15%4%21%2%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who attend prayer group…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted13%8%8%71%< 1%5,609
Should be discouraged48%11%8%33%1%2,276
Neither/both equally27%8%8%56%1%341
Don't know22%10%12%54%2%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who meditate…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted36%10%5%48%1%5,609
Should be discouraged53%7%3%34%3%2,276
Neither/both equally42%11%4%41%2%341
Don't know48%8%3%36%4%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted51%17%12%19%1%5,609
Should be discouraged73%11%6%9%2%2,276
Neither/both equally65%9%7%17%2%341
Don't know60%11%8%18%3%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted47%16%14%22%1%5,609
Should be discouraged53%15%10%20%2%2,276
Neither/both equally49%12%14%23%3%341
Don't know47%15%12%21%5%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about homosexualityReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted18%16%50%14%2%5,609
Should be discouraged59%5%29%5%3%2,276
Neither/both equally39%10%44%4%4%341
Don't know38%7%37%6%11%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted24%73%1%1%5,609
Should be discouraged52%44%2%2%2,276
Neither/both equally36%57%6%2%341
Don't know31%58%5%6%272
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 reading scripture among adults in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who read scripture…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted20%10%9%61%1%5,609
Should be discouraged61%8%7%23%1%2,276
Neither/both equally36%10%8%45%1%341
Don't know39%12%7%40%2%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted16%23%2%51%8%5,609
Should be discouraged49%31%3%13%5%2,276
Neither/both equally26%29%5%21%18%341
Don't know35%21%8%20%15%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who …in heaven

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted58%34%8%5,609
Should be discouraged82%12%6%2,276
Neither/both equally74%15%11%341
Don't know63%17%20%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who …in hell

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted42%50%8%5,609
Should be discouraged70%23%7%2,276
Neither/both equally55%31%15%341
Don't know53%24%23%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who identify as…

Views about homosexualityRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Should be accepted26%19%55%5,609
Should be discouraged54%20%26%2,276
Neither/both equally37%33%30%341
Don't know38%36%26%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who are…

Views about homosexualityConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted22%38%35%5%5,609
Should be discouraged58%24%12%6%2,276
Neither/both equally38%34%16%12%341
Don't know39%25%14%23%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who would rather have…

Views about homosexualitySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted44%49%4%3%5,609
Should be discouraged61%33%3%2%2,276
Neither/both equally59%28%4%9%341
Don't know54%34%3%9%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted35%59%4%2%5,609
Should be discouraged56%39%3%2%2,276
Neither/both equally51%34%11%3%341
Don't know42%40%5%13%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who say abortion should be…

Views about homosexualityLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted71%25%3%5,609
Should be discouraged25%70%5%2,276
Neither/both equally37%52%10%341
Don't know34%48%18%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West who …same-sex marriage

Views about homosexualityStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted82%13%5%5,609
Should be discouraged10%85%4%2,276
Neither/both equally28%37%35%341
Don't know20%39%40%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted29%66%2%3%5,609
Should be discouraged51%43%3%4%2,276
Neither/both equally41%41%9%8%341
Don't know44%34%6%15%272
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 in the West by views about homosexuality

% of adults in the West 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 accepted50%23%5%20%3%5,609
Should be discouraged14%22%3%56%5%2,276
Neither/both equally21%26%8%35%10%341
Don't know16%21%11%36%16%272
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.