Television shows with gay characters
such as Glee, Modern Family and The New Normal
are influencing American voters on gay marriage.
According to a poll conducted by The
Hollywood Reporter in
conjunction with partner Penn Schoen Berland, such television
shows have increased support for marriage equality.
“This data would suggest that seeing
this stuff makes it more socially acceptable,” said
pollster John Penn. “Views on gay marriage have exponentially
gone in its favor since 2002.”
Twenty-seven percent of respondents
said watching gay-inclusive TV increased their support for gay
nuptials, while 6 percent said it made them less supportive.
Eleven percent of Mitt Romney
supporters said they would stop watching Modern Family if the
show's gay characters got hitched. Such a wedding would have zero
impact on President Barack Obama supporters. Michelle Obama and Ann
Romney have included Modern Family on their lists of favorite
shows.
“Obama voters are watching and
saying, 'OK, I've changed because of what I've seen,'” said Penn.
“Some Romney voters are saying, 'The more I see it, the more I'm
against it.'”
Younger viewers are influenced by
television in greater numbers.
“Almost twice as many voters under 35
say these shows made them more in favor of gay marriage compared with
voters over 35 – 38 percent versus just 20 percent,” Penn said.