A new study shows that Roman Catholics are more supportive of homosexual special rights than are the general public and other Christians.
The survey, conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute, addressed such topics as legal recognition, same-gender "marriage," and suicide rates. Dr. Robert Jones, the Institute's CEO, says the study is fairly comprehensive.
"Nearly three-quarters of Catholics favor laws that would protect gay and lesbian people against discrimination in the workplace," says Jones. "Sixty-three percent of Catholics favor allowing gay and lesbian people to serve openly in the military -- and six in 10 Catholics favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt children."
The question of homosexual "marriage" was a little more complex, according to the CEO.
"But generally speaking, on a kind of two-part question about allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry or not, we have a majority...of Catholics [53 percent] supporting same-sex marriage," says Jones.
The Institute spokesman says support for homosexual special rights has been increasing among all groups over the last two decades, including Catholics. But he notes that a gap exists between the Vatican and Catholic bishops in the latter group and rank-and-file Catholics.
Jones says though that Catholics have a history of making up their own minds, especially regarding sexuality, and still remaining within the church.
Results from our related poll
What might be the biggest reason for an increased acceptance of 'gay rights'
among people who profess faith in Jesus Christ?
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