Survey: 63% of practicing Catholics support legal recognition of homosexual unions

October 15, 2008

63% of practicing Catholics and 68% of all Catholics support the legal recognition of homosexual unions, according to a survey published by the Knights of Columbus. 25% of practicing Catholics (and 32% of all Catholics) support same-sex marriage, while an additional 38% of practicing Catholics (and 36% of all Catholics) support same-sex civil unions.

The survey, which was conducted by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion from September 24 to October 3, found deep ambivalence within the nation on abortion. While Americans prefer to be called ‘pro-choice’ rather than ‘pro-life’ by a 50-44 margin, only 8% of Americans believe abortion should be permitted for any reason, and 50% would ‘definitely vote for’ a candidate who believes life begins at conception.

According to the survey, 44% of Catholics practice their faith weekly, while another 21% attend services once or twice a month. The survey also found that practicing Catholics ‘are more likely to be married, earn more than $50,000, and have a college education than Americans as a whole.’

 

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Further information:

• Moral Issues and Catholic Values (Knights of Columbus)