http://www.gallup.com/poll/1651/gay-lesbian-rights.aspx <--about 2/3's of way down
In general, do you think homosexuals should or should not have equal rights in terms of job opportunities?
Yes answers:
1982: 59%
1989: 71%
1992: 74%
1996: 84%
---
Do you think homosexuals should or should not be hired for each of the following occupations? First, ... Next, ... [RANDOM ORDER]?
Elementary school teachers
Yes answers:
1992: 41%
1996: 55%
So,
ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) is a winnable issue, and has been for a long time.
Now, there is the sad part that once you move to specifics, the higher level of general support drops off. In particular, this plays off the idea and scare tactic that lesbian or gay teachers are more likely to abuse. Almost I'd say, would that were the case, the world would have far less abuse! Sadly, abuse is much more a male problem. That is, most abusers are male, whether gay or straight.
So, you've got to engage the conversation. You've got to get people to lay their fears on the table, and be willing to talk about them and look at them honestly.
In fact, many Americans think it's already on the books, and it's not.
