Public opinion of interracial marriage in the United States

Historical data according to Gallup, Inc.

Public opinion of interracial marriage in the United States has changed substantially since the 1960s. Today, support for interracial marriage is near-universal.[1]

Opposition to interracial marriage was frequently based on religious principles. The overwhelming majority of white Southern Democrat Christians saw racial segregation, including on matters of marriage, as something that was divinely instituted from God. They held that legal recognition of interracial couples would violate biblical teaching and hence their religious liberty.[2] This position was held by prominent evangelical denominations such as the Southern Baptist Convention until the late-20th century.[3]

A 2011 poll found that 46% of Mississippi Republicans polled said they think interracial marriage should be illegal. A further 14% were not sure.[4][5]

Polling

Gallup

Date Approval Disapproval No Opinion
July 6-21, 2021 94 4 2
June 13-July 5, 2013 87 11 2
August 4-7, 2011 86 11 3
September 7-8, 2007 79 15 6
June 4-24, 2007 77 17 6
June 9-30, 2004 76 19 5
November 11-December 14, 2003 73 23 4
June 3-9, 2002 65 29 6
January 4-February 28, 1997 64 27 9
September 18-20, 1994 48 37 15
June 13-16, 1991 48 42 10
April 29-May 2, 1983 43 50 7
July 21-24, 1978 36 54 10
October 13-16, 1972 29 60 11
June 26-July 1, 1968 20 73 8
September 24-29, 1958 4 94 3

See also

References

  1. ^ McCarthy, Justin (September 10, 2021). "U.S. Approval of Interracial Marriage at New High of 94%". Gallup Inc. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  2. ^ Coffman, Elesha (2011-01-15). "Almighty God Created the Races: Christianity, Marriage & American Law". Christian Scholar’s Review. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
  3. ^ Grant, Tobin (2011-06-24). "Opposition to Interracial Marriage Lingers Among Evangelicals". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
  4. ^ "Poll: 46 Percent of Mississippi GOP Want to Ban Interracial Marriage". The Atlantic. April 7, 2011.
  5. ^ "Poll: 46 percent of Mississippi Republicans want interracial marriage ban". April 7, 2011.