Prejudicial Attitudes toward Homosexuals as a Function of Religious Orientation

This study investigated prejudicial attitudes toward homosexuals as a function of individuals\u27 religious affiliation and orientation. It was predicted that intrinsically oriented individuals would be more prejudiced toward homosexuals than would extrinsically oriented individuals. This trend was expected more for Catholics than for Protestants. Students answered several questionnaires about their attitudes toward homosexuals and their religious beliefs. Although intrinsically oriented individuals were more prejudiced toward homosexuals than were extrinsically oriented individuals, this trend was stronger for Protestants than for Catholics. Understanding how prejudicial attitudes against homosexuals are formed may help to eliminate discrimination toward this group