RELIGIOUSNESS, RELIGIOUS ORIENTATION, AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS GAYS AND LESBIANS

Two studies are reported that examine the relationships among religiou sness, religious orientation, and prejudice toward gays and lesbians. Study 1 reports the results of a survey done for the purposes of scien tific jury selection. These results suggest that Baptists, fundamental ists, and ''Christians'' display more antigay prejudice than do Cathol ics, Jews, and many Protestant denominations, but even many supporters of gay-tolerant religions show more antigay prejudice than those clai ming no religious preference. Among those with a religious preference, frequency of worship is significantly related to antigay prejudice am ong those belonging to antigay denominations, but not among those belo nging to more gay tolerant religious faiths. Study 2 reports the resul ts of a study of college students regarding religiousness, religious o rientation, and prejudice toward gays and lesbians. Results showed tha t self reported religiousness, frequency of worship, and Batson's inte rnal and external scales were all positively correlated with measures of prejudice toward gays and lesbians, whereas scores on the Quest (In teractional) scale were negatively correlated. Results of both studies strongly challenge the view that those with an intrinsic religious or ientation are unprejudiced. It is argued that a social influence proce ss can account for the role played by religious practice and beliefs i n creating and maintaining negative attitudes toward gays and lesbians .