Americans of all political stripes have a similar moral compass on issues such as contraception, divorce and infidelity, but some striking differences become evident when their party allegiance is assessed, a new Angus Reid Public Opinion poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of 1,010 American adults, four-in-five respondents (80%) personally believe that contraception is morally acceptable.

At least half of respondents across the country feel the same way about gambling (68%), divorce (64%), sexual relations between an unmarried man and woman (64%), the death penalty (63%), medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos (55%) and having a baby outside of marriage (52%).

More than a third of respondents think six other issues are morally acceptable: buying and wearing clothing made of animal fur (43%), sexual relations between two people of the same sex (40%), abortion (37%), doctor-assisted suicide (36%), medical testing on animals (34%) and pornography (33%).

Only a quarter of respondents believe prostitution (25%) and cloning animals (24%) are morally acceptable. Less than one-in-five feel the same way about using illegal drugs (18%), suicide (14%), polygamy (12%), cloning humans (11%), married men and/or women having an affair (8%) and pedophilia (4%).

Political Allegiance

Republicans are clearly not in agreement with Democrats and Independents on seven of the issues that were included in the survey, including medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos (46%), having a baby outside of marriage (38%), abortion (27%), sexual relations between two people of the same sex (22%), pornography (22%), prostitution (16%) and illegal drugs (9%).

Democrats are more likely than the other two groups to find each issue as “morally acceptable” with the exception of three: the death penalty (57%), buying and wearing clothing made of animal fur (35%) and medical testing on animals (33%).

Independents are more likely to find sexual relations between an unmarried man and woman (73%) doctor-assisted suicide (42%), cloning animals (30%) and polygamy (16%) as “morally acceptable.”

Analysis

Republicans are evidently less accepting than other Americans when it comes to specific issues related to sex (same-sex relations, pornography and prostitution), and life (abortion, embryonic stem cell research). Democrats are at the other side of the spectrum on the treatment of animals (fur and medical testing) and are less likely to endorse the death penalty.

Independents are slightly closer to the Republicans on some moral issues (such as the death penalty and animal fur) and tend to side with the Democrats on others (such as prostitution and embryonic stem cell research).

Full Report, Detailed Tables and Methodology (PDF)

CONTACT:

Mario Canseco, Vice President, Communications & Media Relations
+877 730 3570
mario.canseco@angus-reid.com

Methodology: From September 30 to October 1, 2010, Angus Reid Public Opinion conducted an online survey among 1,010 American adults who are Springboard America panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of the United States. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

Conversely, 22 per cent of respondents would keep current restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, while 19 per cent believe this type of research should not be funded by the federal government.

There are three different types of human stem cells. Some of them come from embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. These cells can develop into various tissues in the human body. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the creation of new organs and in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In August 2001, then U.S. president George W. Bush cited ethical questions in his rationale to ban federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. In a nationally televised statement, Bush said, "While we’re all hopeful about the potential of this research, no one can be certain that the science will live up to the hope it has generated." During his tenure as president, Bush vetoed two bills related to embryonic stem cell research funding.

On Mar. 9, U.S. president Barack Obama signed an executive order that restores federal funding for research on all lines of available stem cells, declaring, "Scientists believe these tiny cells may have the potential to help us understand and possibly cure some of our most devastating diseases and conditions. (…) But that potential will not reveal itself on its own. Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident."

Polling Data

As you may know, the federal government currently provides very limited funding for medical research that uses stem cells obtained from human embryos. Which would you prefer the government to do: place no restrictions on government funding of stem cell research, ease the current restrictions to allow more stem cell research, keep the current restrictions in place, or should the government not fund stem cell research at all?

Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,013 American adults, conducted from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

The death penalty and medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos are next on the list of acceptable issues with 62 per cent, followed by sex between an unmarried man and woman with 61 per cent. More than half of respondents have no moral qualms about medical testing on animals, having a baby outside of marriage, buying and wearing clothing made of animal fur, and doctor-assisted suicide.

Americans are evenly split on homosexuality, with 48 per cent deeming it morally acceptable and 48 per cent claiming it is morally wrong. Two-in-five respondents think abortion is acceptable, and one-third feels the same way about cloning animals. Conversely, more than three-in-four respondents believe married men and women having an affair, polygamy, cloning humans, and suicide are morally wrong.

In April, Texas authorities raided the YFZ Ranch—which is owned by the polygamist Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS)—following a phone call from a still unidentified woman who claimed to be the victim of physical and sexual abuse. Child Protective Services (CPS) spokesman Darrell Azar declared: "There was a systematic process going on (at the YFZ Ranch) to groom these young girls to become brides."

Polling Data

Next, I’m going to read you a list of issues. Regardless of whether or not you think it should be legal, for each one, please tell me whether you personally believe that in general it is morally acceptable or morally wrong.

Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,017 American adults, conducted from May 8 to May 11, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

Results of 2007 Poll

There are three different types of human stem cells. Some of them come from embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. These cells can develop into various tissues in the human body. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the creation of new organs and in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In 2005, then-Brazilian attorney general Claudio Fontelles asked Brazil’s Supreme Court to issue a ruling on embryonic stem cell research. Fontelles argued against a law that sought to allow research using embryos that have been frozen for at least three years, claiming it is unconstitutional and violates the right to life.

Current attorney general Antonio Fernando Souza also believes embryonic stem cell research should be banned in Brazil, because the process involves destroying embryos.

On Mar. 4, Bernard Siegel, the executive director of the Florida-based Genetic Policy Institute commented on the expected ruling in Brazil, saying, "Brazil has the potential to be a significant leader in this field. And if the Supreme Court decides to allow this kind of research, then Brazil will become the Latin American leader in this field."

On Mar. 5, Brazil’s Supreme Court postponed its decision on the case after one of the judges asked for more time to assess the issue.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the scientific use of embryonic stem cells?

Source: Ibope
Methodology: Interviews with 1,863 Brazilian adults, conducted from Jan. 24 to Jan. 29, 2008. Margin of error is 2.4 per cent.

In addition, more than 60 per cent of respondents express no moral qualms with having a baby outside of marriage, medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos, doctor-assisted suicide, abortion, and gambling. 59 per cent of respondents think sexual relations between two people of the same sex are morally acceptable, and 51 per cent feel the same way about buying and wearing clothing made of animal fur.

Canadians are almost evenly split on two issues: the death penalty and medical testing on animals. More than half of respondents believe pornography, prostitution, cloning animals, suicide, and using illegal drugs are morally wrong, while more than three-in-four feel the same way about married people having an affair, cloning humans, polygamy, and paedophilia.

In 1967, Canadian justice minister Pierre Trudeau presented a bill to partially liberalize abortion. On the same bill, Trudeau urged for the legalization of homosexuality and contraception, saying, "The state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation." The bill was signed into law in 1969, when Trudeau was prime minister.

In January 1988, Canada’s Supreme Court ruled—on an appeal filed by pro abortion-advocate Henry Morgentaler—that Canada’s abortion law was unconstitutional. Abortion is now legal in Canada with no limitation on when to perform it.

In July 1976, the House of Commons passed Bill C-84, which abolished the death penalty in the country. In July 2005, Canada legalized same-sex marriage.

In June 2004, the Canadian federal election campaign was dominated by a controversy over child pornography after an e-mail news release by the Conservative party—which was later re-worded—seemed to suggest that Liberal leader and then prime minister Paul Martin supported child pornography. Tory leader Stephen Harper said Martin’s record on the issue speaks of "failure to develop effective legislation that combats child pornography, and failure to pass even his own bills on the matter."

Polling Data

Regardless of whether or not you think each of the following issues should be legal, please indicate whether you personally believe they are morally acceptable or morally wrong.

Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,004 Canadian adults, conducted on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12, 2007. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

There are three different types of human stem cells. Some of them come from embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. These cells can develop into various tissues in the human body. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the creation of new organs and in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In August 2001, U.S. president George W. Bush cited ethical questions in his rationale to ban federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. In a nationally televised statement, Bush said, "While we’re all hopeful about the potential of this research, no one can be certain that the science will live up to the hope it has generated."

In July 2006, Bush vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which had been approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and sought to allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on cells "derived from human embryos that have been donated from in-vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment." In more than five years in office, Bush had not vetoed a single bill.

In June, Bush vetoed a new bill related to embryonic stem cell research funding, saying, "If this legislation became law, it would compel American taxpayers—for the first time in our history—to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. I made it clear to Congress and to the American people that I will not allow our nation to cross this moral line." Bush instead issued an executive order to "strengthen our nation’s commitment to research on pluripotent stem cells," adding, "Technical innovation in this difficult area is opening up new possibilities for progress without conflict or ethical controversy."

House speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed disappointment with Bush’s decision, saying, "In vetoing the legislation, the president will be saying ‘No’ to 75 per cent of the American people. He will be saying ‘No’ to so many families across America who are hoping and praying that this legislation becomes a public policy."

Polling Data

All in all, which is more important: conducting stem cell research that might result in new medical cures, or not destroying the potential life of human embryos involved in this research?

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – More adults in the United States would like their federal government to change its current policy regarding stem cell research, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 22 per cent of respondents think there should be no restrictions on this type of scientific investigation, up 11 points in two years.

In addition, 38 per cent of respondents would ease the current funding restrictions to allow more stem cell research, 20 per cent would retain existing guidelines, and 16 per cent would cease all funding.

There are three different types of human stem cells. Some of them come from embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. These cells can develop into various tissues in the human body. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the creation of new organs and in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In August 2001, U.S. president George W. Bush cited ethical questions in his rationale to ban federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. In a nationally televised statement, Bush said, “While we’re all hopeful about the potential of this research, no one can be certain that the science will live up to the hope it has generated.”

In July 2006, Bush vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which had been approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and sought to allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on cells “derived from human embryos that have been donated from in-vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment.” In more than five years in office, Bush had not vetoed a single bill.

On Jun. 20, Bush vetoed a new bill related to embryonic stem cell research funding, saying, “If this legislation became law, it would compel American taxpayers—for the first time in our history—to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. I made it clear to Congress and to the American people that I will not allow our nation to cross this moral line.” Bush instead issued an executive order to “strengthen our nation’s commitment to research on pluripotent stem cells,” adding, “Technical innovation in this difficult area is opening up new possibilities for progress without conflict or ethical controversy.”

Polling Data

As you may know, the federal government currently provides very limited funding for medical research that uses stem cells obtained from human embryos. Which would you prefer the government to do: place no restrictions on government funding of stem cell research, ease the current restrictions to allow more stem cell research, keep the current restrictions in place, or should the government not fund stem cell research at all?

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Hillary Rodham Clinton remains the national frontrunner in the race for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 38 per cent of respondents would vote for the New York senator in a 2008 primary.

Illinois senator Barack Obama is second with 27 per cent, followed by former North Carolina senator John Edwards with 16 per cent. Support is lower for New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, Delaware senator Joe Biden, Connecticut senator Chris Dodd, Ohio congressman Dennis Kucinich, and former Alaska senator Mike Gravel.

On Jun. 15, Rodham Clinton criticized the current government’s policies on embryonic stem cell research, adding, “We do take seriously the ethical concerns. This is not something that has been done in a quick, poorly thought out way. (…) I think there is a false difference between the president’s position and ours.”

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2004, Republican George W. Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states. Democratic nominee John Kerry received 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Bush is ineligible for a third term in office. The next presidential election is scheduled for November 2008.

Polling Data

Democratic Presidential Primary Contenders

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Fewer Americans are content with the performance of their federal lawmakers, according to two recent public opinion polls. 39 per cent of respondents to a survey by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News approve of the way Congress is doing its job, down five points since April.

In a study by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News, 29 per cent of respondents approve of the job Congress is doing, down three points since mid-May.

American voters renewed the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate in November 2006. In January, the Democratic Party took control of the lower house for the first time since 1994, with 233 lawmakers. A victory for the Democratic candidates for the Senate in Montana and Virginia also gave the party a majority in the upper house. Democratic California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi became the first female speaker of the House.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives voted 247-176 to loosen a ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Pelosi urged U.S. president George W. Bush to support the bill, saying, “With this legislation, we have the opportunity to save lives, find cures, and again, give hope to those suffering.”

The White House issued a written statement, which read: “This bill puts scientific research and ethical principle into conflict, rather than supporting a balanced approach that advances scientific and medical frontiers without violating moral principles. (…) I am disappointed the leadership of Congress recycled an old bill that would simply overturn our country’s carefully balanced policy on embryonic stem cell research.”

In July 2006, Bush vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which had been approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and sought to allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on cells “derived from human embryos that have been donated from in-vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment.” In more than five years in office, Bush had not vetoed a single bill.

Polling Data

a) Do you approve or disapprove of the way the U.S. Congress is doing its job?

b) Do you approve or disapprove of the job Congress is doing?

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A large majority of adults in the United States believe four specific behaviours are unprincipled, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 91 per cent of respondents believe married men and women having an affair is morally wrong, while 90 per cent feel the same way about polygamy.

Cloning humans is next on the list of perceived immoral behaviours with 86 per cent, followed by suicide with 78 per cent, cloning animals with 59 per cent, and abortion with 51 per cent. Conversely, more than 60 per cent of respondents think the death penalty, divorce, stem cell research and gambling are morally acceptable.

Last month, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who is seeking the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in 2008, discussed his views on polygamy, saying, “I have a great-great grandfather. They were trying to build a generation out there in the desert. And so he took additional wives as he was told to do. And I must admit, I can’t imagine anything more awful than polygamy.”

Since 1976, 1,078 people have been put to death in the United States, including 21 this year. More than a third of all executions have taken place in the state of Texas. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia do not engage in capital punishment, and moratoriums on executions have been issued in Illinois and New Jersey.

Polling Data

Next, I’m going to read you a list of issues. Regardless of whether or not you think it should be legal, for each one, please tell me whether you personally believe that in general it is morally acceptable or morally wrong.