How the Supreme Court’s decision for gay marriage could affect religious institutions
Some legal scholars and others are trying to determine how a ruling granting same-sex couples a constitutional right to wed might affect religious institutions.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans differ from general public in their religious affiliations
A majority of LGB adults are religiously affiliated, but they are much less likely to be Christian than the general public and are more drawn to smaller, non-Christian denominations.
‘March for Marriage’ rally reflects steadfast opposition to gay marriage among evangelical Christians
Opposition to same-sex marriage is now more concentrated among a few religious groups – particularly white evangelical Protestants.
Support for gay marriage up among black Protestants in last year, flat among white evangelicals
New Pew Research Center data from 2014 show that just within the past year, growing shares of some Christian groups favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Arizona bill sparks debate about religious objections to gay marriage
The bill would allow business owners to cite religious beliefs as a reason for denying services – including to same-sex couples – without fear of legal retribution.
States that allow same-sex marriage also provide protections for religious groups and clergy who oppose it
The battle over same-sex marriage has been about more than whether to allow gays and lesbians to wed. In every state where same-sex marriage is legal – including Illinois, which today became the 16th state to allow gays and lesbians to marry – politicians and others have also debated how to best protect religious freedom. […]
Majority of U.S. Catholics’ opinions run counter to church on contraception, homosexuality
Three-quarters of U.S. Catholics say the church should permit birth control, about half favor same-sex marriage and just a third (33%) say homosexual behavior is a sin.
Before pope’s comments, Latin American Catholics expressed acceptance of homosexuality
Pope Francis made headlines yesterday in response to a question about the supposed “gay lobby” in the Vatican. The pope reportedly reaffirmed the Roman Catholic Church’s position that while homosexual acts were sinful, orientation was not. But he added, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge […]
How LGBT adults see society and how the public sees them
Two Pew Research Center surveys -- one of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender adults and the other of the American public -- found a common thread: that society as a whole has become more accepting of gays and lesbians.
For religious LGBT adults, more commitment sometimes brings more conflict
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults are generally less religious than U.S. society as a whole, a recent Pew Research Center survey found. About half (51%) declare any religious affiliation at all, versus close to eight-in-ten U.S. adults; about a fifth (17%) are both religiously affiliated and say religion is very important in their lives, […]
