Whats God got to do with it: Religious Salience and Attitudes toward Sexual Orientation

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

Over the past few decades, homosexuality has frequently been a focal point of political, social, and theological deliberation in the United States. Until recently, the LGBTQ community did not have the right to marry, join the military, adopt children, or have protection within societal institutions from discrimination. However, with the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in 2010, a series of victories for gay and lesbian rights swept the country. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that state bans on same-sex marriages were unconstitutional because they violated the 14th amendment right of due process and equal protection. While progress has been made, particularly within law, politics, and societal institutions, the LGBTQ community continues to face a number challenges such as discrimination, harassment, and inequality. To effectively investigate attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals, we must understand the foundations and perceptions for anti-LGTBQ ideologies. Our investigation begins by focusing on the relationship between religious salience and attitudes towards the LGBTQ community. By utilizing the 2014 Religious Landscape Study, we examined three religions in the United States, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and their support or opposition to homosexuality. Based on our findings, we discuss policy implications and potential paths for future research.

Authors

• Tabrina Bratton, University of Arkansas Little Rock

• Robert Lytle, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Tusty ten Bensel, University of Arkansas at Little Rock