Full Breakdown
Declining Support for LGBTQ+ Rights in the United States: Gallup Poll Findings
6/3/2026, 11:12:31 PM
Background & Context
After two decades of rising acceptance, the 2015 Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage marked a high point. Gallup’s May 1-17 2026 survey shows a significant reversal amid growing conservative opposition to DEI initiatives.
Data & Statistics
Support for legal same-sex marriage fell to 65 % from a 71 % peak. Moral acceptance of gay or lesbian relations is 62 %, the lowest since 2016. Acceptance of gender change is 38 %, an eight-point drop since 2021. Republican support stands at 37 % for marriage, 35 % for gay relations, and 5 % for gender change; independents are at 67 %/64 %, Democrats at 87 %/81 %/60 %. Gallup’s margin of error is ±4 percentage points (1,001 adults).
Key Figures & Groups
Gallup (polling firm); Republican Party (primary source of decline); Democratic Party and independents (stable); Southern Baptist Convention, Justice Clarence Thomas (advocating reversal); Rep. Andy Ogles (post and apology); Adam Cohen-Aslatei, Nicholas Hardy (commentators).
Official Statements & Responses
Gallup said the decline is “largely among Republicans” and ties it to “conservative leaders” opposing DEI programs. The Southern Baptist Convention called for overturning the 2015 ruling. Justice Thomas filed a brief urging the same reversal. Gallup noted Republican support for gender-transition issues has fallen steadily since 2021.
Criticism & Opposition
LGBTQ+ advocates labeled Ogles’s deleted post and the Southern Baptist call as “hurtful” and “discriminatory.” Critics warn the Republican shift could spur state bans on marriage and gender-affirming care.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the overall decline; independent moral-acceptance (64 %) differs from Democratic (81 %). Gallup’s ±4-point error limits precision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What may look like a decline in support could instead reflect a change in how people choose to express themselves publicly,” — Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO, Three Day Rule
- “I do feel that there are fewer LGBTQ characters and storylines prominently featured in mainstream media today than there were a few years ago,” — Adam Cohen-Aslatei
- “I believe people’s political affiliation has led to an 'all or nothing' approach to various issues,” — Nicholas Hardy, Psychotherapist, Hardy Behavioral Health
- “homosexuality has no place in America.” — Andy Ogles, Rep., Tennessee (deleted X post)
Why It Matters / Impact
The partisan shift may drive state bills limiting marriage recognition or gender-affirming care and affect future court challenges.
What’s Next
At least 11 states have introduced bills to ban or undermine same-sex marriage; Tennessee’s House passed a non-recognition resolution. Gallup will issue follow-up surveys to track the trend.
