Survey: Gays Gaining Global Acceptance 

An international study shows that most countries have become more accepting of LGBT people over the last two decades, but the reverse trend is evident in former socialist countries.

The study finds that "overwhelmingly, societies have become more accepting of homosexual behavior." In the study of 31 countries, most showed an increase in favorable public opinion, with the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium-Flanders the most accepting. Four countries -- Russia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Latvia -- were the only nations to show a decrease in acceptance.

According to the press release, the United States showed a bimodal distribution, indicating that many people have strong opinions about gay people.

The study also shows more acceptance among younger adults, those with more education, those who attend religious services less often, and city dwellers.

The report was conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, with support of the Williams Institute.

Download the full report here.