LGBTQ rights have advanced many positions in the last several decades. Increasing public support for issues like gay marriage indicates that the majority has become mild to this agenda. Even previously conservative groups of people are starting to express support (Bishin, Freebourn, & Teten, 2020). Despite this changing public opinion, the shift has not generated a significant impact on federal policy (Bishin et al., 2020). This situation designates that the political system is not producing outcomes consistent with people’s expectations.
There is quantitative evidence regarding the increase in public support of gay rights. In 2004, only 31% of people had a favorable opinion about same-sex marriages (Bishin et al., 2020). This number exceeded 50% by 2014, and today, LGBTQ rights have achieved support from the majority (Bishin et al., 2020). Partially, this increase is related to activism and people taking the courage to make confessions about their sexual orientation (Garretson, 2018). However, many states discriminate against LGBTQ people on a legislative level. For instance, in some states, doctors have the right to deny service based on sexual orientation (Bishin et al., 2020). In some regions, child adoption by gay couples is prohibited (Bishin et al., 2020). In general, the Republican party opposes LGBTQ rights, while Democrats support them.
These differences between public opinion and collective representation in Congress are a result of a broad social change. Republicans have opposed LGBTQ rights because support from conservative Christians contributes to their electoral success (Bishin et al., 2020). On the contrary, Democrats have incorporated gay members, which is why the party has been favoring LGBTQ rights for the last several decades (Bishin et al., 2020). Therefore, for gay rights to advance in terms of legislation, Democrats must be elected to Congress.
References
Bishin, B. G., Freebourn, J., & Teten, P. (2020). The Power of equality? Polarization and collective mis-representation on gay rights in congress, 1989–2019. Political Research Quarterly, 1-15.
Garretson, J. J. (2018). The path to gay rights: How activism and coming out changed public opinion. NYU Press.