Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201466%26%5%3%6,083
200756%34%6%5%7,470
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who are ages…

Views about homosexuality18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Should be accepted19%31%27%23%3,967
Should be discouraged10%24%32%34%1,513
Neither/both equally10%30%34%27%271
Don't know5%31%26%38%195
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Views about homosexualityYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Should be accepted13%12%26%34%14%1%3,967
Should be discouraged7%7%20%40%23%4%1,513
Neither/both equally4%10%26%41%18%1%271
Don't know4%6%26%34%23%7%195
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Views about homosexualityMenWomenSample size
Should be accepted40%60%4,042
Should be discouraged57%43%1,553
Neither/both equally50%50%280
Don't know35%65%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Views about homosexualityWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Should be accepted86%3%1%5%4%4,000
Should be discouraged86%3%1%6%3%1,528
Neither/both equally88%2%1%7%3%272
Don't know85%2%1%4%8%195
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Views about homosexualityImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Should be accepted6%8%86%4,007
Should be discouraged8%5%88%1,539
Neither/both equally6%8%86%274
Don't know10%6%84%199
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted26%18%29%26%3,546
Should be discouraged34%22%27%17%1,306
Neither/both equally26%25%29%20%213
Don't know34%28%25%13%143
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who have completed…

Views about homosexualityHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Should be accepted31%31%22%17%4,021
Should be discouraged50%29%14%8%1,543
Neither/both equally37%37%18%9%277
Don't know43%33%14%11%204
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Views about homosexualityMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Should be accepted53%7%12%8%20%4,027
Should be discouraged59%3%13%12%14%1,543
Neither/both equally60%6%10%10%15%277
Don't know54%5%16%16%9%201
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Views about homosexualityParentsNon-parentsSample size
Should be accepted28%72%4,028
Should be discouraged23%77%1,548
Neither/both equally22%78%279
Don't know23%77%207
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted60%30%5%1%2%2%4,042
Should be discouraged79%16%2%1%1%1%1,553
Neither/both equally74%17%2%5%1%1%280
Don't know71%17%5%4%1%2%208
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.

Importance of religion in one's life among Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who say religion is…

Views about homosexualityVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted46%39%12%3%1%4,042
Should be discouraged69%24%5%1%1%1,553
Neither/both equally61%31%6%2%< 1%280
Don't know63%25%7%2%4%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted28%47%26%< 1%4,042
Should be discouraged46%35%18%1%1,553
Neither/both equally32%39%28%1%280
Don't know35%33%30%2%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who pray…

Views about homosexualityAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted49%25%8%17%1%4,042
Should be discouraged65%20%5%9%2%1,553
Neither/both equally56%18%5%17%3%280
Don't know64%11%6%14%5%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who attend prayer group…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted15%9%10%67%< 1%4,042
Should be discouraged30%13%9%48%1%1,553
Neither/both equally24%11%5%59%2%280
Don't know23%7%12%53%5%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who meditate…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted33%10%5%51%1%4,042
Should be discouraged42%8%4%44%3%1,553
Neither/both equally42%7%4%46%2%280
Don't know47%8%3%35%7%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted53%19%12%14%1%4,042
Should be discouraged61%16%8%13%2%1,553
Neither/both equally62%16%9%9%3%280
Don't know57%14%7%15%6%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted44%17%15%23%1%4,042
Should be discouraged40%16%12%29%2%1,553
Neither/both equally42%12%14%31%1%280
Don't know45%11%12%24%8%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about homosexualityReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted22%13%55%8%2%4,042
Should be discouraged45%5%44%4%2%1,553
Neither/both equally38%7%44%3%7%280
Don't know33%6%52%2%7%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted26%72%1%1%4,042
Should be discouraged46%52%1%1%1,553
Neither/both equally34%57%5%3%280
Don't know37%56%1%5%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who read scripture…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted23%13%13%50%1%4,042
Should be discouraged45%14%9%32%1%1,553
Neither/both equally36%11%11%41%1%280
Don't know44%10%11%32%3%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted15%38%2%36%10%4,042
Should be discouraged46%31%4%11%7%1,553
Neither/both equally30%30%7%18%16%280
Don't know25%33%9%16%17%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who …in heaven

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted78%14%8%4,042
Should be discouraged86%7%7%1,553
Neither/both equally84%8%8%280
Don't know79%14%7%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who …in hell

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted54%35%10%4,042
Should be discouraged75%16%9%1,553
Neither/both equally63%22%15%280
Don't know53%25%22%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Views about homosexualityRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Should be accepted37%15%47%4,042
Should be discouraged60%14%25%1,553
Neither/both equally46%24%30%280
Don't know45%31%23%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Views about homosexualityConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted27%43%25%5%4,042
Should be discouraged61%25%9%5%1,553
Neither/both equally47%30%13%9%280
Don't know48%31%8%13%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who would rather have…

Views about homosexualitySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted54%39%4%4%4,042
Should be discouraged71%24%3%2%1,553
Neither/both equally66%18%7%9%280
Don't know53%28%4%15%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted42%53%3%2%4,042
Should be discouraged62%31%4%3%1,553
Neither/both equally53%30%15%2%280
Don't know45%39%4%12%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who say abortion should be…

Views about homosexualityLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted72%26%3%4,042
Should be discouraged38%57%5%1,553
Neither/both equally40%44%16%280
Don't know46%37%17%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants who …same-sex marriage

Views about homosexualityStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted80%14%6%4,042
Should be discouraged9%87%4%1,553
Neither/both equally22%43%36%280
Don't know19%39%42%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted31%65%2%2%4,042
Should be discouraged56%39%2%3%1,553
Neither/both equally42%38%14%5%280
Don't know41%44%3%12%208
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 Mainline Protestants by views about homosexuality

% of Mainline Protestants 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 accepted35%34%6%21%4%4,042
Should be discouraged16%26%3%50%5%1,553
Neither/both equally15%31%6%32%16%280
Don't know14%25%9%30%22%208
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.