Poll: Businesses shouldn’t refuse service, even on basis of religion

A majority of American voters say businesses should not be allowed to refuse services to gays and lesbians, even on the basis of religious beliefs, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Monday.

Asked about businesses’ right to refuse service, without mentioning religion, the poll found majorities of Democrats (88 percent) and Republicans (50 percent) in agreement that the practice should not be allowed. Overall, 69 percent of voters said they opposed it.

But when asked their view “if the business says homosexuality violates its owners’ religious beliefs,” the parties diverged. Fifty-six percent of Republicans said the business should be allowed to refuse service in that case. Seventy-nine percent of Democrats, and 58 percent of voters overall, disagreed.

Tribune News Service