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)