New Gallup Poll Shows Decline in Support for LGBTQ+ Issues

Support for LGBTQ+ issues, including same-sex marriage and gender transition procedures, have declined among Americans, according to a new Gallup (Center bias) poll.

The Details: While a majority of Americans (65%) still support same-sex marriage, the percentage has dropped 6% from the peak in 2022 and 2023. Sixty-two percent of Americans also said gay or lesbian relations were morally acceptable–the lowest point since 2016–and 38% said they viewed changing one's gender as morally acceptable, an 8% decline over the past five years. Driving the decline are Republicans' shifting attitudes toward LGBTQ+ issues, according to Gallup.

Changes By Political Affiliation:

• Republican support for legal same-sex marriage dropped 18% from 55% in 2022 to 37% in May.
• Support for same-sex marriage among independents also dropped six points to 67%, while Democrat support stayed the same at 87%.
• Five percent of Republicans said changing one's gender was morally acceptable, compared with 42% of independents and 60% of Democrats.
• Thirty-five percent of Republicans said gay and lesbian relations were morally acceptable, a 21% decline.
• Sixty-four percent of independents said gay and lesbian relations were morally acceptable, an 8% decline. There was no change among Democrats at 81%.

A 'Cultural Shift': Fox News (Right) described the changes as part of a "cultural shift" driven primarily by Republicans. It also described the "stark contrast[s]" between Republican and Democrat views on these issues. The Daily Signal (Right) framed its coverage as fewer people supporting the Pride movement. It wrote that "activists have promoted monthlong Pride celebrations, drag queens in classrooms, LGBTQ+ merchandise for children, rainbow-colored crosswalks, men in women's sports, and LGBTQ+ characters and themes in movie and TV shows." Gallup attributed part of the decline to conservative leaders "push[ing] back against diversity, equity and inclusion programs that were intended to foster greater acceptance."

Partisan Divide: Associated Press (Lean Left) wrote the trend was part of the "widening partisan divide" that is "also reflected in policy…particularly regarding transgender people, and a rising push in some states to ban same-sex marriage." It also included the exact percentage of decline for Republicans, but didn't include it for independents. The Associated Press and The Hill (Center) both emphasized ongoing efforts to overturn same-sex marriage and laws barring transgender individuals from school bathrooms and participating in some sports competitions. The Hill also mentioned "tension" that "boiled over" this week between House Republicans concerning Pride Month.

For Context: The survey was conducted May 1-17. Previous Gallup research showed increasing support for legalizing same-sex marriage–growing from 27% in 1996 to 71% in 2022.

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