39% of Americans view homosexuality as morally wrong, international survey reveals

A comprehensive international study reveals significant disparities in attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people, with the United States lagging behind other Western democracies in moral acceptance of homosexuality.

The Pew Research Center's 2025 survey of 25 nations found that approximately 39% of Americans consider homosexuality "morally wrong" (phrased in the survey as morally unacceptable outside the U.S), positioning the country alongside Israel (47%), Hungary (34%), and Greece (30%) rather than with its traditional Western European allies.

The findings highlight a stark contrast with progressive attitudes in Northern and Western Europe. Sweden, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands each recorded acceptance rates exceeding 90%, demonstrating near-universal moral approval of LGBTQ+ relationships among their populations.

The research examined public opinion across multiple behavioral categories, including reproductive rights, alcohol consumption, and LGBTQ+ relationships. Participants classified each behavior as morally acceptable, morally unacceptable, or outside the realm of moral consideration entirely.

The study positions the United States in the middle tier globally regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance, despite the country's self-identification as a leader in human rights and democratic values. The data suggests continued cultural divisions within American society on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.

These findings come as LGBTQ+ rights remain a significant political and social issue across many nations, with varying levels of legal protections and social acceptance worldwide.