115 County in Central Missouri has an ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in private employment, housing, and public accommodations. This is a clear indication that the social acceptance of homosexuality has been evolving over the years, as evidenced by the growing support for same-sex marriage. This shift in opinion is due to a variety of factors, including generational change, increased visibility of people of pro-LGBTQ faith, and the belief that individuals should be able to freely choose what makes them happy. On July 4, 1965, protestors began organizing the first Remembrance Day at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to draw public attention to the lack of civil rights for LGBT people.
This event was followed by the first gay pride parade in the United States, where thousands of members of the LGBT community marched through New York to Central Park. The increasing visibility of people of pro-LGBTQ faith has also played an important role in changing attitudes towards same-sex marriage. Religious business leaders have expressed their support for the rights of LGBTQ people and referred to their religious values or traditions. In addition, when pro-LGBTQ politicians asserted their faith in response to their colleagues' anti-LGBTQ stance, readers were able to obtain views from the religious majority on the rights of LGBTQ people that were clearly reflected in public opinion polls. The increase in support for same-sex marriage over the past decade is one of the biggest changes of opinion on any policy issue during this period.
18% of adults say they have changed their minds because they no longer believe that the government should be involved in people's personal lives. MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to seek health and happiness, earn a living, care for their loved ones, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life. The growing acceptance of homosexuality and same-sex marriage is a testament to how far society has come in terms of understanding and respecting diversity. The increasing visibility of pro-LGBTQ faith leaders and politicians has helped to create an environment where individuals can freely express themselves without fear of discrimination or judgement. As more people become aware of the struggles faced by members of the LGBT community, it is likely that attitudes will continue to shift towards greater acceptance and understanding.
