Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201446%45%5%4%18,725
200736%52%6%6%20,547
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 who say religion is very important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…

Religious traditionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic63%28%5%5%4,220
Evangelical Protestant30%62%5%4%6,904
Historically Black Protestant48%43%6%4%1,641
Jehovah's Witness11%81%4%4%224
Jewish61%34%4%1%279
Mainline Protestant57%34%6%4%3,317
Mormon29%64%5%3%559
Muslim33%60%4%4%154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")58%33%4%5%826
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who are ages…

Views about homosexuality18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Should be accepted21%34%28%18%8,344
Should be discouraged13%32%30%25%8,322
Neither/both equally13%36%31%21%874
Don't know11%33%28%27%732
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Views about homosexualityYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Should be accepted13%14%28%33%11%1%8,344
Should be discouraged8%11%27%36%17%2%8,322
Neither/both equally7%12%30%36%14%2%874
Don't know6%11%27%33%20%3%732
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Views about homosexualityMenWomenSample size
Should be accepted37%63%8,486
Should be discouraged49%51%8,544
Neither/both equally44%56%909
Don't know38%62%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…

Views about homosexualityWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Should be accepted56%16%3%20%4%8,399
Should be discouraged66%16%2%12%3%8,420
Neither/both equally59%17%1%18%5%884
Don't know59%15%2%18%6%739
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Views about homosexualityImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Should be accepted18%10%72%8,394
Should be discouraged14%7%80%8,424
Neither/both equally14%8%78%888
Don't know19%9%72%759
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted39%20%24%17%7,406
Should be discouraged38%22%27%13%7,238
Neither/both equally36%22%27%15%734
Don't know44%19%22%14%562
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who have completed…

Views about homosexualityHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Should be accepted42%32%15%11%8,451
Should be discouraged47%31%14%7%8,487
Neither/both equally41%34%16%9%901
Don't know50%29%13%8%772
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Views about homosexualityMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Should be accepted47%7%15%7%23%8,453
Should be discouraged59%3%13%10%16%8,507
Neither/both equally53%6%13%9%19%902
Don't know52%3%14%13%18%769
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Views about homosexualityParentsNon-parentsSample size
Should be accepted32%68%8,461
Should be discouraged30%70%8,505
Neither/both equally29%71%904
Don't know30%70%778
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted82%15%1%1%1%< 1%8,486
Should be discouraged93%6%1%1%< 1%< 1%8,544
Neither/both equally90%8%1%1%< 1%< 1%909
Don't know88%9%1%2%< 1%1%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted49%36%14%< 1%8,486
Should be discouraged71%21%8%1%8,544
Neither/both equally61%27%11%1%909
Don't know57%27%13%2%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who pray…

Views about homosexualityAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted76%16%3%4%1%8,486
Should be discouraged87%9%2%2%1%8,544
Neither/both equally83%10%1%4%1%909
Don't know83%10%2%2%3%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who attend prayer group…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted29%14%12%45%< 1%8,486
Should be discouraged55%12%9%23%1%8,544
Neither/both equally44%11%9%34%1%909
Don't know39%10%11%36%3%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who meditate…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted49%9%4%37%2%8,486
Should be discouraged58%6%3%31%3%8,544
Neither/both equally54%7%3%33%4%909
Don't know55%6%3%30%6%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted72%14%7%7%1%8,486
Should be discouraged81%9%5%4%1%8,544
Neither/both equally77%11%4%5%3%909
Don't know76%10%5%5%4%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted49%16%12%23%1%8,486
Should be discouraged50%15%10%23%2%8,544
Neither/both equally50%13%11%23%3%909
Don't know48%12%10%24%6%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about homosexualityReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted41%9%41%7%3%8,486
Should be discouraged69%3%23%3%2%8,544
Neither/both equally55%4%33%2%6%909
Don't know53%2%33%3%9%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted30%67%1%1%8,486
Should be discouraged54%43%2%1%8,544
Neither/both equally40%54%5%2%909
Don't know41%51%4%5%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who read scripture…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted45%16%10%29%1%8,486
Should be discouraged72%10%5%12%1%8,544
Neither/both equally61%11%6%20%2%909
Don't know59%11%7%20%2%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted35%37%3%17%7%8,486
Should be discouraged63%25%4%4%4%8,544
Neither/both equally44%28%8%8%12%909
Don't know48%25%10%5%12%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who …in heaven

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted87%8%5%8,486
Should be discouraged89%5%6%8,544
Neither/both equally88%4%8%909
Don't know84%6%10%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who …in hell

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted67%25%8%8,486
Should be discouraged82%11%6%8,544
Neither/both equally74%15%11%909
Don't know69%14%17%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…

Views about homosexualityRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Should be accepted32%17%50%8,486
Should be discouraged55%16%29%8,544
Neither/both equally39%27%33%909
Don't know36%30%34%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Views about homosexualityConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted33%37%24%6%8,486
Should be discouraged62%21%10%6%8,544
Neither/both equally45%30%13%11%909
Don't know43%27%12%18%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who would rather have…

Views about homosexualitySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted43%51%3%3%8,486
Should be discouraged62%32%2%3%8,544
Neither/both equally55%31%8%6%909
Don't know45%36%6%14%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted40%55%4%2%8,486
Should be discouraged56%38%3%2%8,544
Neither/both equally45%39%14%2%909
Don't know39%42%8%11%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…

Views about homosexualityLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted53%43%4%8,486
Should be discouraged22%75%3%8,544
Neither/both equally31%58%12%909
Don't know26%52%22%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage

Views about homosexualityStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted69%24%7%8,486
Should be discouraged6%90%4%8,544
Neither/both equally20%45%34%909
Don't know16%39%45%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted35%60%2%3%8,486
Should be discouraged52%42%2%4%8,544
Neither/both equally42%41%11%6%909
Don't know40%41%5%14%786
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 who say religion is very important by views about homosexuality

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 accepted21%36%4%35%4%8,486
Should be discouraged8%21%2%63%6%8,544
Neither/both equally10%28%6%45%13%909
Don't know7%25%7%43%18%786
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.