According to a new survey, 71 percent
of Americans support LGBT protections.
When the nonpartisan Public
Religion Research Institute asked, “Do you favor or oppose laws
that would protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people
against discrimination in jobs, public accommodations and housing?”
71 percent of respondents answered yes. Twenty-four percent remain
opposed.
The survey is based on more than 42,000
interviews in all 50 states.
Majorities of Democrats, Republicans
and Independents said that they support such protections.
Currently, only 33 states offer fully
inclusive LGBT non-discrimination protections. A federal bill
introduced last year by Democrats would extend protections to all
Americans. Illinois Representative Bob Dold last month became the
first Republican to back the proposed legislation. Senator Mark Kirk
of Illinois followed suit within days, making him the first Senate
Republican to co-sponsor the bill.