Opposition to same-sex marriage is prominent among many religious groups in the United States, according to a new survey.

Groups with the largest opposition to homosexuals marrying are Jehovah’s Witnesses (75%), Mormons (68%), white evangelical Protestants (66%), Hispanic Protestants (58%), black Protestants (54%), and Muslims (51%), the Public Religion Research Institute found in its survey of 40,000 Americans.

Among white evangelical Protestants, white Baptists are the most opposed (72%).

On the acceptance side of the issue, the most supportive are Buddhists (84%), Jews (77%), Americans who select “Other religion” (75%), and white mainline Protestants (62%).

A breakdown of white mainline Protestant denominations shows support is highest among Presbyterians (69%) and both Episcopalians and Congregationalists/United Church of Christ members (68%).

Even a majority of white mainline Baptists (53%) back same-sex marriages. Among Catholics, 61% of whites and 60% of Hispanics support gay weddings.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Attitudes on Same-sex Marriage by Religious Affiliation and Denominational Family (Public Religion Research Institute)