Over the last few years American politics has seen continuous clashes on the importance of religious freedom, the liberties it provides, and often opposition to those who utilize those liberties. But, what do the American people think?
New research from Summit Ministries makes it clear that the vast majority of Americans, 79 percent of them, believe that people who adhere to values found in the Bible have the right to express their religious beliefs publicly. Only 12 percent disagreed, with 9 percent being unsure.
In connection with this, 77 percent agreed that “canceling” or blacklisting someone for their opinions or beliefs, whether offensive or not, is harmful to American society, while 13 percent saw it as helpful. There was a bipartisan consensus among those who support religious freedom, with 90 percent of Republicans, 77 percent of Independents, and 65 percent of Democrats.
However, 42 percent of those surveyed are still hesitant to share their opinions on important issues for fear of backlash, with slightly more Republicans and Independents (45 percent and 44 percent) feeling this way than Democrats (38 percent). Fifty-three percent meanwhile, did not feel hesitant to share their beliefs.
Finally, nearly one-third of American voters (31 percent) were also afraid that their opinions or their beliefs could cost them their jobs, with 14 percent very concerned and 17 percent somewhat concerned. Sixty-three percent meanwhile were either not very concerned (18 percent) or not concerned at all (45 percent).