Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201469%24%4%3%3,697
200759%30%5%6%3,574
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

Views about homosexuality among adults in California by religious group

% of adults in California who say homosexuality…

Religious traditionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic73%20%3%3%878
Evangelical Protestant40%49%5%5%718
Jewish92%4%4%< 1%125
Mainline Protestant72%21%4%3%452
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")87%8%2%3%1,042
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who are ages…

Views about homosexuality18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Should be accepted28%35%23%13%2,520
Should be discouraged16%36%28%20%843
Neither/both equally11%41%30%17%135
Don't know14%39%23%25%110
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who are…

Views about homosexualityYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Should be accepted18%17%28%27%9%1%2,520
Should be discouraged10%12%30%32%15%1%843
Neither/both equally5%13%35%35%12%1%135
Don't know11%13%29%29%15%3%110
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who are…

Views about homosexualityMenWomenSample size
Should be accepted47%53%2,580
Should be discouraged54%46%865
Neither/both equally55%45%138
Don't know46%54%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who identify as…

Views about homosexualityWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Should be accepted46%5%14%33%3%2,545
Should be discouraged38%9%12%37%4%848
Neither/both equally40%10%6%41%3%135
Don't know43%2%12%39%4%104
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who are…

Views about homosexualityImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Should be accepted30%20%50%2,553
Should be discouraged40%12%49%845
Neither/both equally32%18%50%136
Don't know38%10%52%107
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted34%18%24%25%2,258
Should be discouraged41%19%22%18%722
Neither/both equally35%28%16%21%118
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who have completed…

Views about homosexualityHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Should be accepted36%33%19%12%2,560
Should be discouraged46%31%14%9%856
Neither/both equally37%40%12%10%136
Don't know55%31%7%7%111
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who are…

Views about homosexualityMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Should be accepted42%11%12%4%31%2,561
Should be discouraged54%6%14%7%18%859
Neither/both equally48%10%12%11%19%138
Don't know45%6%12%7%30%113
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who are…

Views about homosexualityParentsNon-parentsSample size
Should be accepted28%72%2,569
Should be discouraged34%66%861
Neither/both equally29%71%138
Don't know25%75%113
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted45%26%9%1%16%2%2,580
Should be discouraged77%14%3%2%2%1%865
Neither/both equally66%19%4%3%5%3%138
Don't know62%21%9%< 1%5%3%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who say religion is…

Views about homosexualityVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted36%29%16%18%1%2,580
Should be discouraged74%18%4%4%< 1%865
Neither/both equally54%28%6%11%3%138
Don't know56%17%16%6%6%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted21%38%41%< 1%2,580
Should be discouraged58%27%15%< 1%865
Neither/both equally35%37%27%1%138
Don't know39%24%36%1%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who pray…

Views about homosexualityAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted43%14%8%35%1%2,580
Should be discouraged75%12%4%9%1%865
Neither/both equally55%16%6%22%< 1%138
Don't know56%17%2%20%4%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who attend prayer group…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted13%9%7%70%< 1%2,580
Should be discouraged45%11%9%35%< 1%865
Neither/both equally25%8%12%54%< 1%138
Don't know17%13%14%55%2%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who meditate…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted36%10%5%48%1%2,580
Should be discouraged54%6%4%33%3%865
Neither/both equally40%12%6%40%3%138
Don't know49%12%1%34%6%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted52%17%12%18%1%2,580
Should be discouraged71%11%6%10%2%865
Neither/both equally62%9%8%19%2%138
Don't know56%13%8%21%1%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted46%16%15%22%1%2,580
Should be discouraged53%14%11%21%2%865
Neither/both equally44%10%18%25%3%138
Don't know40%19%16%24%2%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about homosexualityReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted18%17%48%14%2%2,580
Should be discouraged56%6%30%6%3%865
Neither/both equally39%9%44%4%4%138
Don't know35%8%39%11%8%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted24%74%1%1%2,580
Should be discouraged44%52%2%3%865
Neither/both equally28%65%6%< 1%138
Don't know28%66%3%3%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who read scripture…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted20%10%9%61%1%2,580
Should be discouraged58%8%8%24%1%865
Neither/both equally39%10%9%42%< 1%138
Don't know34%16%8%40%1%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted17%22%2%52%8%2,580
Should be discouraged50%27%2%15%6%865
Neither/both equally32%26%3%21%18%138
Don't know37%17%7%24%15%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who …in heaven

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted59%34%7%2,580
Should be discouraged81%14%5%865
Neither/both equally73%14%13%138
Don't know61%19%19%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who …in hell

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted44%49%7%2,580
Should be discouraged69%23%8%865
Neither/both equally54%30%15%138
Don't know55%25%20%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who identify as…

Views about homosexualityRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Should be accepted25%19%57%2,580
Should be discouraged43%23%34%865
Neither/both equally36%29%35%138
Don't know39%32%30%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who are…

Views about homosexualityConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted22%37%36%4%2,580
Should be discouraged51%27%15%7%865
Neither/both equally38%35%16%11%138
Don't know42%23%13%22%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who would rather have…

Views about homosexualitySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted42%52%4%3%2,580
Should be discouraged49%45%3%2%865
Neither/both equally55%32%5%8%138
Don't know45%43%3%9%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted33%62%4%2%2,580
Should be discouraged50%44%3%3%865
Neither/both equally51%37%9%2%138
Don't know41%41%6%12%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who say abortion should be…

Views about homosexualityLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted71%26%4%2,580
Should be discouraged26%69%5%865
Neither/both equally38%53%8%138
Don't know35%51%14%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California who …same-sex marriage

Views about homosexualityStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted83%13%4%2,580
Should be discouraged13%83%4%865
Neither/both equally24%39%38%138
Don't know22%44%34%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted29%67%2%3%2,580
Should be discouraged47%46%3%4%865
Neither/both equally42%40%9%9%138
Don't know40%39%8%13%114
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 adults in California by views about homosexuality

% of adults in California 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 accepted51%22%4%20%3%2,580
Should be discouraged16%22%2%53%6%865
Neither/both equally24%22%8%35%11%138
Don't know18%23%10%34%15%114
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.