Changes in attitudes toward homosexuals

Abstract

Cross-sectional data on the attitudes of Canadian university students, and their parents, indicate attitudes toward homosexuals have become increasingly tolerant and accepting over the past 14 years. Various experimental findings and self-attributions indicate the major cause of this change is increased contact with persons known to be homosexuals. Other factors, such as the evidence for biological origins of sexual orientation, and boomerang effects from hostility toward homosexuals also appear to have played a role.