Gallup Trots out Surprising New Stats
October 18, 2012 - Thursday
When Gallup asked people to estimate how many Americans were homosexual in 2011, most guessed 25%. Turns out, they were about 22% off. The actual number, Gallup reports today, is about 3.4%--a startling statistic for most people who just naturally assumed the media saturation was driven by a big population. Who can blame them? These numbers should be shocking to anyone who's lived through the deluge of gay and lesbian policy, entertainment, school curriculum, and corporate capitulation of the past 10 years.
According to Gallup, this survey is the largest single study of the U.S. LGBT population ever conducted. Over four months, Gallup canvassed the country by phone, interviewing more than 121,000 people. The results were based on answers to this question, "Do you, personally, identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender?" Although surveys like this one can be tricky--pollsters are never sure how many people are truly candid--the numbers are consistent with FRC's research and other experts'. Just last year, the Department of Health and Human Services released a similar figure of 3.8%. In this instance, the biggest concentrations of LGBT were young adults (6.4%), women (3.6%), and young women (8.3%).
Although the homosexual community may not be the largest in the U.S.--it's certainly the loudest. That might explain the major disconnect between the media's portrayal and reality. Just last month, liberals celebrated a record number of homosexual and cross-dressing characters on TV--which is somewhat ironic today, considering the sliver of the population they represent. For years, these 3.4% have seemed to enjoy 100% accommodation. As a community, they've gone out of their way to demand special treatment--even trampling the freedom and values of the other 97% to secure it.
This may be a tiny fraction of the population, but they are quite literally rewriting history. Imagine what the world would look like if Christians lived out the Great Commission with this same kind of intensity! We certainly wouldn't be debating the definition of marriage or the sanctity of human life. In the midst of these social debates, this is a teachable moment. If there's one thing the homosexual community demonstrates again and again, it's that a loud minority is more powerful than a timid majority. If Christians in America would simply stand, unapologetically, and speak the truth in love, there is no limit to the renewal we could experience as a nation. It's time to look beyond the cultural breakdown and recognize that the catalyst for transformational change is us!
Billy Graham Ads Voice to Values Debate
The man known as the "pastor to Presidents" could play a deciding role in who America's next leader will be. Rev. Billy Graham, one of the most influential evangelists to ever live, is taking an unprecedented stand before the November 6 elections by launching a series of full-page ads from the Wall Street Journal to USA Today. "The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren, and this great nation is crucial," Rev. Graham says. "As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God."
Although Rev. Graham was outspoken in his support for the North Carolina marriage amendment this spring, it was the first time he truly ventured into the public square. This time, his involvement is a significant statement that he views this election as a critical turning point for our nation--morally and politically. We applaud his boldness and pray that Americans everywhere are inspired to vote their conscience. To learn how, tune in to the special broadcasts of FRC's iPledge Sunday and take up the call to pray, prepare, and participate!
Pop Stars in New Study on Teen Sex
Think your kids aren't listening to what you say about abstinence? Think again. Parents are the single biggest influence on their children's decisions about sex, especially fathers, a new study reports. In a survey of 13 other studies, Vincent Guilamo-Ramos at New York University found that dads who take the time to talk to their kids about sex may have a bigger impact than anyone. "It's not just about mothers," Vincent explains. "The communication between fathers and kids is especially influential."
Although there's been very little research conducted on the subject, Vincent explains that closeness with fathers at the beginning of a study "was significantly associated with daughters delaying starting sex." Positive parenting is one thing, Guilamo-Ramos says, but it's not enough. "It's critical that parents communicate their values and provide guidance to kids." Most moms and dads have no idea how much influence they hold over their kids' sexuality. In study after study, children name their parents--not their friends or Hollywood celebrities--as the single biggest factor in their decision-making. It's time for more moms and dads to start using that leverage to their advantage!
** Yesterday, we mentioned that Dr. Angela McCaskill held a press conference about her suspension from Gallaudet University for signing the Maryland marriage petition. You can watch excerpts from her statement in my latest "Perkins on Point" commentary below.
