Religion
Related: About this forumAtheists, Muslims See Most Bias as Presidential Candidates
Two-thirds would vote for gay or lesbian
June 21, 2012
by Jeffrey M. Jones
PRINCETON, NJ -- While more than nine in 10 Americans would vote for a presidential candidate who is black, a woman, Catholic, Hispanic, or Jewish, significantly smaller percentages would vote for one who is an atheist (54%) or Muslim (58%). Americans' willingness to vote for a Mormon (80%) or gay or lesbian (68%) candidate falls between these two extremes.
The results are based on a June 7-10 Gallup poll, updating a question Gallup first asked in 1937 in reference to a female, Jewish, or Catholic candidate and has asked periodically since then, with additional candidate characteristics added to the list. The question has taken on added relevance in recent years as a more diverse group of candidates has run for president. This year, Mitt Romney is poised to become the first Mormon to win a major-party presidential nomination. However, Americans' willingness to vote for a Mormon has changed little in 45 years.
Notwithstanding the Mormon trend, Gallup's history on this question shows growing acceptance for all other types of candidates over time. That includes atheists, whose acceptability as candidates surpassed 50% for the first time last summer but have typically ranked at the bottom of the list whenever the question has been asked.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/155285/Atheists-Muslims-Bias-Presidential-Candidates.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=syndication
cbayer
(146,218 posts)I suspect that will continue.
Interesting that there has been no change for Mormons.
SoutherDem
(2,307 posts)1. I don't believe 95% would vote for a black. I think we saw that in 2008 and will in 2012.
2. I don't think 54% would vote for an Atheist. Too many believe in God and creation.
3. I don't think 58% would vote for a Muslim. Too many right wing Christians.
The results from various election I feel are proving that poll wrong.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)In general, people who affiliate with a party are likely to put that above the demographics of the candidate.
But, I just thought people don't want to admit they are bigots.
eqfan592
(5,963 posts)Might be just me, tho....
In all seriousness, I don't believe we can just take the election results we have had to far and hold them as proof that the poll is wrong, as there are so many other factors at play.
dimbear
(6,271 posts)where their lack of faith won't hold them back. The law, the sciences, medicine, finance, administrating religions, etc.