Backlash on Gay Issues

USATODAY -- Americans have become significantly less accepting of homosexuality since a Supreme Court decision that was hailed as clearing the way for new gay civil rights, a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll has found. After several years of growing tolerance, the survey shows a return to a level of more traditional attitudes last seen in the mid-1990s.

Asked whether same-sex relations between consenting adults should be legal, 48% said yes; 46% said no. In early May, support for legal relations reached a high of 60%-35%.

The survey also found rising opposition to civil unions that would give gay couples some of the rights of married heterosexuals. They were opposed 57%-40%, the most opposition since the question was first asked in 2000.

By 49%-46%, those polled said homosexuality should not be considered "an acceptable alternative lifestyle." It was the first time since 1997 that more people expressed opposition than support.

EL - There is often a polarizing backlash when a major breakthrough is made in civil rights. That appears to be happening now with gay civil rights. The public is right now more intolerant than the past several years. Years ago this happened in Houston over gay rights after Whitmire tried to liberalize benefits and the backlash lasted a couple of years.

This is troubling for Democrats and Dean. The good news is time is on the Democrats side and opposition to civil rights also mobilizes supporters of civil rights. This support is longer lasting.