Debunking the myth of the anti-gay black vote in California’s Prop 8
January 6, 2009 at 5:18 pm by Wayne GarciaA study released today (.pdf here) finds that while African American voters in California did support the anti-gay marriage Proposition 8 in higher percentages than other ethnic groups, they did not do so in “overwhelming numbers.”
The study by two professors found:
That after taking into account the effect of religious service attendance, support for Proposition 8 among African Americans and Latinos was not significantly different than other groups. Through a precinct-by-precinct analysis and review of multiple other sources of data, the study also puts African-American support for Proposition 8 at no more than 59 percent, nowhere close to the 70 percent reported the night of the election. Finally, the study shows how support for marriage equality has grown substantially across almost all California demographic groups — except Republicans.
What drove the vote? Party ID, religious attendance rates and ideology, not race or ethnicity:
- The two most important characteristics determining the vote were party identification and ideology.
Those self describing as Democrats or Liberals, overwhelmingly opposed Prop 8. Those self describing as Republicans or Conservatives, overwhelmingly supported California Proposition 8.
- The third most important characteristic determining the vote was religiosity.
Those attending religious services every week, supported Prop 8 by 70% while those attending once a month opposed it by 52% and those hardly ever attending opposed it by 70%.
- The fourth most important characteristic determining the vote was age.
All the ages groups opposed Prop 8, except for those 65+ who supported it by 67%.
As importantly, when compared to another marriage initiative in California in 2000 (the Knight initiative), all age groups increased their support of same sex marriage equality in 2008—except for those 65 years of age or older.
- African Americans and Latinos supported Prop 8 by 58 and 59% respectively—not 70% plus as reported in an exit poll on November 4, 2008.
Furthermore, their vote correlates more with religiosity than race.
- Contrary to popular belief, knowing an LGBT person was not a significant factor in opposing California Proposition 8.
January 6th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
What I found during the Amendment 2 campaign here in Florida was the recurring theme that Democrats wouldn’t support Amendment 2. The idea that religious Democrats from the African American, Hispanic or white communities would support Amendment 2 and result in the its passage, seemed unfathomable to a lot of A-2 opponents.
January 6th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Religion is the poison pill. We must destroy religion.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
I’ve got no God
To hold me down
To make me fret, or make me frown
I had God
But now I’m free
There are no strings on me
Hi-ho the me-ri-o
That’s the only way to go
I want the world to know
Nothing ever worries me
Hi-ho the me-ri-o
I’m as happy as can be
I want the world to know
Nothing ever worries me
I’ve got no religion
So I have fun
I’m not tied up to anyone
They’ve got religion
But you can see
There are no strings on me
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1106924/Theres-probably-God–stop-worrying-enjoy-life-Atheist-group-launches-billboard-campaign.html
April 21st, 2009 at 9:14 am
Glad for Prop 8 lets stop this evil scurge upon the land Homosexuality is still a major sin and should be wiped off of the earth.
April 21st, 2009 at 9:20 am
Al –
“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou?”
“This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him.”
“But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground.”
“And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.”
“When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?”
“She said, No man, Lord.”
“And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:2-11 KJV)
April 21st, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Thanks Mr Garcia for the Bible Story. I am already saved. So concentrate on your queer friends.