From: "Lois Klesa Morrison" Organization: College of Vet. Med Date: 10 Jun 93 09:08:02 EST I heard on the radio Wednesday morning that a survey done by the University here shows Georgians split almost 50/50 (see below) on gays in the military. This is hardly a liberal state, and maybe knowing about the gestapo-like tactics of the investigatory agencies (who couldn't find any wrong-doing in the Tailhook situation initially) could swing people to the pro-gay side of this issue. I called a friend who works where the survey was taken, and he gave me the information that follows. By way of background, they do state-wide surveys twice a year, and there are a lot more topics covered. The survey is put together by graduate students, and the only significance to any of the topics/questions is that it interested a graduate student on the project. There was a write-up about the whole survey in the local paper, but I haven't read it. I would guess this is public information, but I am posting it without permission. Please remember this is Sam Nunn's home state when you write your Senators and Representatives. 1) The curriculum in the Georgia public schools should include lessons on people of different races, ethnic groups, and cultures. Do you strongly agree, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or strongly disagree with that statement? Strongly Agree 41.9% N=171 Agree Somewhat 43.9% N=179 Disagree Somewhat 5.9% N=24 Disagree Strongly 5.6% N=23 Don't Know 2.7% N=11 2) How about gay and lesbian lifestyles? Do you strongly agree, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or strongly disagree with that statement? Strongly Agree 6.7% N=27 Agree Somewhat 18.0% N=72 Disagree Somewhat 15.7% N=63 Disagree Strongly 53.9% N=216 Don't Know 5.7% N=23 3) As you know, the question of whether homosexuals should be allowed to serve in the military has been the subject of much recent debate. Do you strongly agree, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or strongly disagree that homosexuals have a constitutional right to serve in the US armed forces? Strongly Agree 20.5% N=82 Agree Somewhat 25.8% N=103 Disagree Somewhat 12.8% N=51 Disagree Strongly 36.3% N=145 Don't Know 4.8% N=19 4) Do you strongly agree, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or strongly disagree that allowing homosexuals to serve in the military would be harmful to our armed forces ability to protect the nation? Strongly Agree 32.9% N=132 Agree Somewhat 18.0% N=72 Disagree Somewhat 21.4% N=86 Disagree Strongly 21.9% N=88 Don't Know 5.7% N=23 My personal interpretation is that while #1 and #2 indicate people do not have an overall liberal attitude on gays and lesbians, #3 and #4 indicate support for lifting the ban. I was suprised the numbers would be this high for a "constitutional right" to serve; I would think more people would believe gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve than would agree there was right to serve.