In an unexpected turn of events, recent studies have indicated a decline in the American public’s support for equal marriage and other LGBTQ+ rights. This marks the first such downturn in nearly a decade, disrupting a long-standing trend of growing acceptance. The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), through its comprehensive American Values Atlas, has shed light on this shift. The Atlas, initiated in 2014, has been instrumental in capturing the pulse of the nation’s stance on various societal issues, including LGBTQ+ equality.
Over 22,000 adults across all 50 states were interviewed in 2023, revealing a slight yet significant reduction in support for non-discrimination protections, religiously-based service refusals, and same-sex marriage. Support for anti-discrimination measures in housing, employment, and public accommodation dropped from 80% in 2022 to 76% last year. This decline coincides with an increase in Republican opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting a growing partisan divide on these issues.
The Partisan Divide and Cultural Impact
The drop in opposition to service refusals on religious grounds, from 65% to 60%, and the decrease in same-sex marriage support, albeit slight, are reflective of the broader political and cultural battles raging across the country. The increasing polarization suggests that LGBTQ+ rights are becoming a central issue in America’s ongoing culture wars. This is further corroborated by the PRRI’s findings of a negative correlation between support for Christian nationalism and LGBTQ+ rights across states.
Melissa Deckman, PRRI’s chief executive, emphasized that despite the dip, a significant majority of Americans continue to support protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals and endorse the rights of same-sex couples to marry. However, the increasing partisan divide points to the politicization of LGBTQ+ identities and rights as a wedge issue, potentially influencing public opinion and legislative actions.
The Legislative Landscape and Community Response
Amid this backdrop, the American Civil Liberties Union has documented an alarming surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, with over 500 bills introduced last year alone. This legislative onslaught underscores the tangible impact of shifting public sentiments on the rights and lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. The community and its allies face a critical juncture, navigating a landscape marked by political, legal, and social challenges, even as they continue to fight for equality, recognition, and justice.