Provided funding support from some of the most prestigious granting entities in the US, the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) began testing the waters for the receptiveness of the US public towards GLBT nondiscrimination laws. The surveys were begun soon after the US Supreme Court released its landmark marriage equality decision. PRRI found widespread support across all the major demographics of age, race and ethnicity, as well as, religious and political groupings. 7 in 10 folks in the US support nondiscrimination laws protecting their fellow GLBT citizens against discrimination in housing, public accommodation and employment. The results showed 24% of the US population oppose such laws.
Folks with no religious affiliation, Jews and Buddhists were most in favor of nondiscrimination laws. However, majorities of most all Christian groups were also in favor to varying degrees as demonstrated in the breakout chart above. 9 of 10 folks in favor of same gender marriage also support GLBT nondiscrimination laws. But 49% of folks opposed to same gender marriage, support GLBT nondiscrimination laws vs 45% who oppose them. More importantly, 59% of the US population oppose laws that would allow small business owners to discriminate against GLBT folks by refusing services to them based on religious convictions. 35% of US citizens support such discrimination by law.
A pdf of the full report of the findings of the 2015 American Values Atlas is available. The charts used in this story are from the Atlas.