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Americans and Gay Relationships
Aired July 28, 2003 - 15:19 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning anti-sodomy laws in Texas continues to stir debate.
Our senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, is here with a look at what a new poll about Americans and their thoughts on gay relationships -- Bill.
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST: Candy, Justice Anthony Kennedy referred to -- quote -- "an emerging consensus that the law should protect private sexual behavior between consenting adults."
When he wrote that in June, there was an emerging consensus. Back in 1987, one-third of Americans felt homosexual relations between consenting adults should be legal. By 1999, that number had reached 50 percent. And in May of this year, 60 percent. Then the court issued its ruling. Did that strengthen the consensus? No. The number of people who endorsed the idea that homosexual relations should be legal has now dropped below 50 percent.
And what we're seeing is backlash. You often get backlash when a court issues a ruling that some constituencies find threatening. In his dissenting opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote -- quote -- "This reasoning leaves on pretty shaky grounds state laws limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples." In May, the country was divided over allowing gay civil unions. Now most Americans say they oppose such unions. In the short run, the backlash against gay rights could become a potent factor in next year's elections, especially if the courts start moving to legalize gay marriage.
But the news for gay rights supporters is not altogether bad. The number of Americans who have openly gay friends or relatives or co-workers has risen, from barely a quarter in 1985 to 56 percent now. People who know someone openly gay are far more supportive of gay rights. So, in the long run, that may matter more than a Supreme Court decision -- Candy.
CROWLEY: Bill Schneider, thanks very much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired July 28, 2003 - 15:19 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning anti-sodomy laws in Texas continues to stir debate.
Our senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, is here with a look at what a new poll about Americans and their thoughts on gay relationships -- Bill.
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST: Candy, Justice Anthony Kennedy referred to -- quote -- "an emerging consensus that the law should protect private sexual behavior between consenting adults."
When he wrote that in June, there was an emerging consensus. Back in 1987, one-third of Americans felt homosexual relations between consenting adults should be legal. By 1999, that number had reached 50 percent. And in May of this year, 60 percent. Then the court issued its ruling. Did that strengthen the consensus? No. The number of people who endorsed the idea that homosexual relations should be legal has now dropped below 50 percent.
And what we're seeing is backlash. You often get backlash when a court issues a ruling that some constituencies find threatening. In his dissenting opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote -- quote -- "This reasoning leaves on pretty shaky grounds state laws limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples." In May, the country was divided over allowing gay civil unions. Now most Americans say they oppose such unions. In the short run, the backlash against gay rights could become a potent factor in next year's elections, especially if the courts start moving to legalize gay marriage.
But the news for gay rights supporters is not altogether bad. The number of Americans who have openly gay friends or relatives or co-workers has risen, from barely a quarter in 1985 to 56 percent now. People who know someone openly gay are far more supportive of gay rights. So, in the long run, that may matter more than a Supreme Court decision -- Candy.
CROWLEY: Bill Schneider, thanks very much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
