Poll Finds Growing Acceptance of Gays and Lesbians

Gays and lesbians have experienced a dramatic rise in acceptance over the last two decades, according to a Los Angeles Times poll.

Almost 7 in 10 Americans know someone who is gay or lesbian and say they would not be troubled if their elementary school-age child had a homosexual teacher.

Six in 10 say they are sympathetic to the gay community.

The change has come within one generation. In two Times Polls in the mid-1980s and other data from the same era, the level of sympathy toward gays and lesbians was half what it is today.

The poll also found a profound gulf in attitudes between older and younger Americans. Compared with those over 65, respondents between 18 and 29 were much more favorably disposed toward gays and lesbians.

But resistance remains in some areas. A slight majority opposed adoption by same-sex couples. And 72 percent opposed same-sex marriage.

Editor's note: