A majority of Americans oppose allowing
businesses to refuse to serve gay men and lesbians based on their
religious beliefs.
According to a
Reuters/Ipsos survey of 892 adults conducted from April 6-8
online, 54 percent of respondents said that it was wrong for
businesses to refuse service, while 28 percent said it should be
allowed.
A majority (55%) also said that
businesses should not be allowed to refuse to hire certain groups
based on religious beliefs.
The poll comes in the wake of
controversies in Indiana and Arkansas over so-called religious
freedom bills that opponents say would open the door to
discrimination against gay men and lesbians.
The resulting backlash forced lawmakers
to alter the bills. Indiana added exceptions to its bill to cover
sexual orientation and gender identity, while Arkansas narrowed the
scope of its bill, addressing only actions by the government, not by
businesses or individuals.
The survey also found a majority (52%)
of Americans support marriage equality, with 32 percent
opposed.