Gang,

I just read the current Newsweek (September 14th, 1992) whose cover
story is ``Gays Under Fire: What America Thinks.''  Overall the story
is excellent and very accurate in its telling of views on both sides.
It tends toward being pro-queer, and the small editorial after by a
gay couple is excellent.  They conducted a poll, and I decided to
forward the results.  I think overall the poll is very positive
towards gays/lesibans, and shows that society is slowly coming to
terms, however some of the ``sacred cows'' such as marriage are still
shakey.  I would suggest that everyone read the article. :-)

                           GAYS UNDER FIRE
                         Newsweek/Gallop Poll
                           August 27, 1992

Should homosexuals have equal rights in job opportunities?

        78% - Yes
        17% - No

Is homosexuality an acceptable lifestyle?

        41% - Yes
        57% - No

Which apply to you?

        43% - Have a fried or acquaintance who is gay
        20% - Work with someone you know who is gay
         9% - Have a gay person in your family

Should homosexuals be hired in each of the following occupation
(percent saying yes):

        83% - Salesperson
        64% - Memeber of the president's cabinet
        59% - Armed forces
        59% - Doctors
        54% - High school teachers
        51% - Elementary school teachers
        49% - Clergy

How do you feel about each of the following homosexual rights?

                                              APPROVE DISAPPROVE
        Health insurance for gay spouces        67%     27%
        Inheritance rights for gay spouces      70%     25%
        Social security for gay spouces         58%     35%
        Legally sanctioned gay marriages        35%     58%
        Adoption rights for gay spouces         32$     61%

In general, how important is the issue of gay rights to your
presidential vote?

        40% - Very, or somewhat important
        57% - Not too, or not at all important

Do you think the candidates have:

                                             CLINTON   BUSH
        Gone too far in supporting gay rightts  16%      5%
        A position that is about right          44%     41%
        Gone too far in opposing gay rights      3%     27%


                    A RECORD OF GAINS---AND PAINS

States with statutes outlawing sodomy (including nine that prohibit
only homosexual sodomy):

        24

Gay and bisexual men who have died of AIDS since 1980:

        91,789

Openly gay elected officials nationwide--congressmen, judges, mayors,
city councilors:

        61

Rise in anti-gay crimes reported between 1990 and 1991 in five major
cities (New Yourk, San Fransisco, Boston, Minneapolis-St. Paul and
Chicago):

        31%

Gay men and lesbians expelled from U.S. military each year because of
sexual orientation:

        1,000

Gay and lesbian organizations nationwide, including political, social,
activists and student groups:

        1,580

Chris
--
| Chris Petrilli                                             ____
| petrilli@gnu.ai.mit.edu             ``Quayle is a bozoe.'' \  /
| I don't even speak for myself.                              \/