Black Americans form the most consistently progressive voting bloc in the country. Yet, we are the racial group most likely to oppose gay rights legislation, civil unions and homosexuality.
Actually, some say we have a split personality when it comes to liberalism and gay rights.
That point was driven home once again in a recent national Pew Research Center study that measured attitudes on homosexuality among different groups, including white, black and Hispanic respondents.
Blacks are much more likely to think that homosexuality is morally wrong (64 percent) than whites (48 percent) or Hispanics (43 percent), according to the Pew survey.
Two-thirds of blacks polled opposed gay marriage, while 49 percent of Hispanics and 52 percent of whites are opposed to it. Fifty-two percent of blacks oppose civil unions for gay people.
The split between blacks and gays was shown dramatically last year during the vote on California's Proposition 8, the ballot measure overruling a state Supreme Court judgment legalizing same-sex marriage.
Exit polling indicated that seven in 10 black voters voted yes to uphold the same-sex marriage ban. Fifty-three percent of Latinos also backed Proposition 8, along with 49 percent of whites.
Cultural conservatism, influence of the church and longstanding taboos against homosexuality in many African nations have been given most often as reasons for the rejection of the gay agenda among a majority of black people.
In recent years, gay rights activists have compared their plight to that of the early black civil rights pioneers, but most blacks have rejected that view. They say homosexuality is more an issue of morality than equality.
For me, the black-gay split drives home a point that is often lost when it comes to black people: We are not a monolith. Black people bring a variety of experiences and views to the table.
For nearly all black people, issues of racial equity are important. In the past, the Democratic Party has championed those issues more effectively than Republicans. But for many black people who were raised in a church-going environment, homosexuality and civil unions are against Biblical teachings.
Therefore, it makes sense that a lot of black folks can accept the overall "liberal," or Democratic, agenda and question or reject a part of it.
So is it any wonder why so many blacks vote Democratic but take a dim view of homosexuality? Whether you support gay rights or not, the findings of the Pew study shouldn't surprise anyone.
Comments: (79)
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By: Tonya on 10/20/2009 8:33PM
I am a black,proud and beautiful gay female.I am a mother,tax payer and having a loving and supportive family.Although my parents did not ever expect for me to anounce my sexual identity change they never once made me feel less than.I can and will very soon have a union with my partner of 3 years and have the full support of my children, family and friends.I wish everyone could feel the love I do.I am very sorry for all those people black and white that find their power in trying to keep others down and back. They should worry about their own so called "straight and legal marriages.
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By: Vickiss on 10/16/2009 1:05PM
They aren't hypocrites. People are born black, NOT gay. Sexual preference is not a race.
Why can't black people have a separate opinion. Do we ALL have to be liberal and accepting of someone's sex life ( which should be private in the first place)?
Also, given the history of emasculation of the black male, is it really a surprise that homosexuality might be rejected by a majority of blacks? ( not all).
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By: john on 10/17/2009 1:07PM
great answer.
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By: sammy on 10/18/2009 1:19AM
Vickiss, I hardly think there is anything your background to give you the creibility to decide just how people are born.
I give credence to those who have the educational and clinical background who have studies the issues.
What is your background? How many college degrees do you have and how many clinical studies have you conducted? How many books and thesis have you written? What scholarily or medical journals have you published your work in?
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By: Punklyrix13 on 10/18/2009 11:34PM
First of all how do you know people aren't born gay? Honestly, I want to know what facts you have to back that up. Unless YOU personally have CHOSEN that way of life I suggest you have some facts to back up that statement. I'm gay and I knew I was different since I was a little girl. I would have never CHOSEN to be born this way. I was born with the attraction to the same sex. Yes it is my choice whether or not I want to carry on this life style, but if I didn't I would only be fooling myself. No, being black isn't a choice. You can't choose your skin color and you can't choose your sexual orientation either. I think it is hypocrisy. Back in the day black people were told what to do with their lives. They had no lives. They were owned. They were told what to do. Everyone, not just black people are a bunch of hypocrites. No matter what the color of your skin is, everyone's ancestry traces back to a past that was unjust. I think everyone needs to just mind their own business and let people be. Its all about love. Share it. Embrace it. Life is way to short to be worried and disagreeing with the way everyone else is living. Be more open minded. If you were told you weren't allowed to marry, or adopt a child, or even visit your loved one of many years in the hospital how that make you feel? It isn't fair and it breaks my heart. I'm very open-minded and it sucks that not everybody in this world is. Anyways that my two-cents.
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By: sharkchops on 10/19/2009 11:47AM
I don't have much of an opinion on the civil union issue however, I think it's no different than the interracial marriage issue. If you fell in love with someone of another race or even nationality or religion, would you want others' opinions to influence the outcome of your union? Obviously, the others don't concern sexual orientation however the bottom line is, it only really concerns the people involved and has no direct effect on those of us who are straight.
The jury is still out on whether gays are born or conformed. However, I have to say I remember boys back when I was in grade school who were very effeminate and always seemed to get along better with girls and didn't participate in sports or active play like the rest of us. They all seemed to be from seemingly normal families with siblings who were also pretty normal. Later the ones I still ran into turned out to be gay. I think some gays may have chosen their lifestyle but there are definitely a great number who seemed to have been born that way. I doubt if grade school aged kids have the cognizance and self-awareness to choose to be gay or straight.
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By: Vickiss on 10/19/2009 12:21PM
There are TONS of psychological and biological studies that show time and time again that sexual preference is generally not genetic. It's environmental - someone is molested,raped, brought up a certain way, was persuaded, etc. Just do some research.
People are NOT born gay, but that does not mean a person does not have every right to be with who they want. However it DOES mean that gay rights not equate to racial rights. Especially during a period of white supremacy.
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By: Helen Thomas on 10/20/2009 11:22PM
Very clear answer. And very correct one.
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By: g on 10/21/2009 10:15AM
I'm in agreement with your comment 100%
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By: GYJ on 10/23/2009 2:06AM
Several decades ago the black church played a intergal role to provide civil rights for African-Americans. It's hypocritical to hide behind religion and prevent people from marrying oneanother. The same beliefs and tools that freed Blacks, the words are now being munipulated against gay people to limit their lifestyles and pursuit of happiness. Classic definition of an hypocrite! Allow them to enjoy their lives and relationships.
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