American support
of gays up significantly

American acceptance of gay rights is at its highest level in 30 years, according to a national poll released Tuesday. A Gallup Poll shows that 59% of Americans believe that "homosexual relations between consenting adults" should be legal. This question, which is part of the Gallup Poll's annual Values and Beliefs survey carried out each May, has been asked every year since 1977, when only 43% responded affirmatively.

The largest percentage of Americans voicing support for gays surfaced in May 2003, when 60% agreed that gay sex should be legal. Lawrence v.Texas, the June 2003 Supreme Court ruling that overturned sodomy laws, led to an apparent backlash among the American public regarding gay equality. From 2003 to 2005 public support remained at about 50%, increasing to 56% last year.

Support for same-sex marriage has also increased to an all-time high. Although supporters are still the minority, 46% believe marriages between same-sex couples should be legally validated.

The most support comes in relation to equality in the workplace, with 89% believing that gays "should have equal rights in terms of job opportunities." (The Advocate)