social acceptance

Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson said he's met frequently with influential social conservatives who are willing to accept his position on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage even though it doesn't go quite as far as they would like. Thompson favors a constitutional amendment that bars judges from legalizing same-sex marriage but also leaves open the door for state legislatures to approve the practice. He said social and religious conservatives who would prefer an amendment that also bars legislatures from legalizing marriage for gays and lesbians can live with his view.

Germans are comfortable with gays -- and even of insurance companies covering medical transitions -- but not as fond of Muslims in their neighborhood, says a new survey.