American Catholics and Same-Sex 'Marriage'

Catholic Social Science Review, 15 (2010): 97-123

28 Pages Posted: 16 Feb 2015

See all articles by Donald Sullins

Donald Sullins

The Catholic University of America; The Ruth Institute

Date Written: 2010

Abstract

Although Catholic teaching opposes same-sex “marriage” (SSM), in America Catholics support SSM more strongly than do Protestants, and states with Catholic majorities are much more likely to regularize homosexual relations. Younger persons support SSM more strongly than do their elders, suggesting that support will continue to grow. The trends in American Catholic thought on this issue exemplify American exceptionalism, moralism, and growing secularism, and reflect catechetical ambiguity, equivocation among the U.S. bishops, elite dissent, and the lingering effects of the clergy sex abuse scandals and the birth control controversy.

Keywords: same-sex, marriage, Catholic Church, public opinion, General Social Survey

JEL Classification: J12, J18

Suggested Citation

Sullins, Donald, American Catholics and Same-Sex 'Marriage' (2010). Catholic Social Science Review, 15 (2010): 97-123, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2565121

Donald Sullins (Contact Author)

The Catholic University of America ( email )

116 McMahon Hall
Washington, DC 20064
United States

The Ruth Institute ( email )

4845 Lake Street
Suite 217
Lake Charles, LA 70605
United States

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