themselves with some religion either agreed or strongly disagreed with the statement of it being beneficial to society to recognize homosexuality as normal while 44 percent either disagreed or strongly disagreed. It can be concluded that religious affiliation does play a key role in acceptance of homosexuality. More individuals identifying with some religion were less accepting of its normality in society. The results of determining political party affiliation in relation to acceptance of homosexuality suggested that 16 percent of Democrats surveyed felt that same-‐sex marriage should not be legal given that they strongly disagreed with the statement. While 22 percent of Republicans either disagreed or strongly disagreed with same-‐sex marriage being legal, 26 percent of respondents affiliated with all other parties felt same-‐sex marriage should be legal. The result of political party affiliation outside of the Republican Party being for same-‐sex marriage was slightly less than expected. The number of individuals who disagreed or strongly disagreed with same-‐sex marriage of democratic affiliation was more than those who agreed at 26 percent to 19 percent. References Andersen R. & Fetner, T. (2008). Cohort differences in tolerance of homosexuality: attitudinal change in Canada and the United States, 1981-‐2000. Public Opinion Quarterly, 72, 311-‐330. Beatty, K. M. & Walter, O. (1984). Religious preference and practice: reevaluating their impact on political tolerance. Public Opinion Quarterly, 48, 318–329. Becker, A. B. & Dietram, A. S. ( 2009). Moral politicking: public attitudes toward gay marriage in an election context. International Journal of Press Politics, 14, 186–211.
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