Changes

== Opposition to Gay Rights ==

== Opposition to Gay Rights ==

Polls consistently reveal that a clear majority <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/18/AR2007031800484.html | Clinton, Obama Slow to Respond to Questions on Homosexuality] Washington Post, March 18, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/963906/posts| New poll shows Americans oppose gay civil unions 58%-37%] Washington Post, August 18, 2003</ref> of people disapprove of homosexuality, or at least consider it less than ideal, and prefer that public policy does not encourage it. They also believe that accepting homosexuality would require the loss of rights to free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, and traditional [[marriage]].<ref>Traditional Values Coalition - [http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2963 Homosexual Marriage In Canada Killing Free Speech]</ref>

Polls from 2003 consistently reveal that a clear majority <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/18/AR2007031800484.html | Clinton, Obama Slow to Respond to Questions on Homosexuality] Washington Post, March 18, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/963906/posts| New poll shows Americans oppose gay civil unions 58%-37%] Washington Post, August 18, 2003</ref> of people disapprove of homosexuality, or at least consider it less than ideal, and prefer that public policy does not encourage it. They also believe that accepting homosexuality would require the loss of rights to free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, and traditional [[marriage]].<ref>Traditional Values Coalition - [http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2963 Homosexual Marriage In Canada Killing Free Speech]</ref> However, opposition to homosexuality is falling, as polls also show overwhelming majorities supporting equal rights in job opportunities for homosexuals, hate crimes laws for them as well, and support for openly homosexual people in the military.<ref>Polling Report - [http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm Law/Civil Rights]</ref> Polls also show growing support for [[civil unions]]<ref>[http://www.pollster.com/blogs/poll_abcpost_civil_unions_abor.php | Poll: ABC/Washington Post Civil Unions, Abortion, Immigration] Pollster.com, November 8, 2007</ref>, and a gradual decline in opposition to [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,188919,00.html?sPage=fnc.specialsections/issues | Poll: Opposition to Gay Marriage Declining] FOX News, March 23, 2006</ref>

Conservatives criticize attempts by gay rights activists to prohibit any statements which are critical of homosexuality, such as the idea that it is "unnatural" or "sinful", using [[hate crime]]s statutes and anti-[[discrimination]] laws.

Conservatives criticize attempts by gay rights activists to prohibit any statements which are critical of homosexuality, such as the idea that it is "unnatural" or "sinful", using [[hate crime]]s statutes and anti-[[discrimination]] laws.