Red state of
Indiana favors gay and lesbian rights

People in the deep red state of Indiana are in favor of basic human rights for gays and lesbians, according to a new study released Wednesday.

Nearly three fourths (74%) of respondents to the survey--compiled by the Indiana University Center for Survey Research--indicated they support hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples. A large majority of respondents (79%) also said that gays and lesbians should have the same civil rights protections as others. Seventy-seven percent of respondents favor hate-crimes legislation, and 85% believe that crimes based on sexual orientation should be included in those laws. A smaller number--53%--support inheritance rights for gay couples.

Most supportive of gay rights, especially inheritance rights, were women, young people, and those living in urban and suburban areas of the state.

The gay rights organization Indiana Equality commissioned the Indiana University Center for Survey Research to study Hossiers' attitudes on gay rights in late 2005. (The Advocate)