Last June, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of anti-LGBTQ baker, Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop, many saw the decision as a symbolic setback for the LGBTQ community.
But a new Harris Poll shows a strong majority of Americans feels the federal government and private sector should do more to protect LGBTQ rights.
The survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults indicates 70% support a federal law protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and credit.
Respondents overwhelmingly said businesses should not discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation (81%) or their gender identity (80%).
In fact, 75% say that when a business opens it’s doors to the public, everyone should be served equally.
The poll also shows 68% of Americans say they would favor, and be more likely to shop at, businesses that openly support LGBTQ equality.
But its not all sunny news, though, as 20% of of those polled believe businesses should be able to deny services based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or disability.
And 25% say business owners should be allowed to refuse services to certain customers if that would be in opposition to their religious beliefs.
Last November, a campaign was launched known as Open to All to boost awareness of discriminatory business practices
Businesses who support the campaign make public their pledge to treat everyone fairly and can display signs in their windows with the hashtag #OpenToAll.
Do you make a point to choose restaurants, airlines or other businesses based on their political positions or LGBTQ support?
