Public opinion of interracial marriage in the United States has changed substantially since the 1940s. Today, support for interracial marriage is near-universal.
Opposition to interracial marriage was frequently based on religious principles. The overwhelming majority of white Southern evangelical 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. This position was held by prominent evangelical denominations such as the Southern Baptist Convention until the late-20th century.
A 2011 poll found that 46% of Mississippi Republicans polled said they think interracial marriage should be illegal. A further 14% were not sure.
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
- McCarthy, Justin (September 10, 2021). "U.S. Approval of Interracial Marriage at New High of 94%". Gallup Inc. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
- Coffman, Elesha (2011-01-15). "Almighty God Created the Races: Christianity, Marriage & American Law". Christian Scholar’s Review. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- Grant, Tobin (2011-06-24). "Opposition to Interracial Marriage Lingers Among Evangelicals". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- "Poll: 46 Percent of Mississippi GOP Want to Ban Interracial Marriage". The Atlantic. April 7, 2011.
- "Poll: 46 percent of Mississippi Republicans want interracial marriage ban". April 7, 2011.