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Geography of sodomy seen as obvious in law
Sodomy ruling applauded here

Associated Press
June 27, 2003

Yesterday's Supreme Court ruling that invalidated states' anti-sodomy laws cited a cultural shift toward acceptance of same-sex relationships, but the public's attitude still varies, depending on geography and demographics.

Support for gay and lesbian relationships is at an all-time high nationwide. A Gallup Poll of 1,005 adults taken May 5-7 showed that 60 percent said homosexual relations between consenting adults should be legal. That compares with 35 percent in 1988.

This year's poll showed support was lowest in the South, where 49 percent said homosexual relations should be legal. Support was strongest in the West, at 73 percent.

"The geography of sodomy law is pretty obvious," said Brad Sears, director of the Williams Project on Sexual Orientation Law at the UCLA School of Law.

Eleven of the 13 states that have anti-sodomy laws are in the South or Midwest. The other two states are Utah and Idaho. The poll showed other background differences:

Age: 72 percent of those ages 18 to 29 said homosexual relations should be legal, while 39 percent of those 65 and older approved.

Education: 71 percent of college graduates approved, compared with 49 percent of those with no college education.

Religion: 40 percent of those who said they attend religious services at least weekly said gay and lesbian relations should be legal.

Income: 72 percent of those who make more than $75,000 a year said homosexual relations should be legal, while 50 percent of those who earn less than $20,000 agreed.

HIGH COURT'S OTHER RULINGS:

Overturned the sentence of a Maryland death row inmate, saying his lawyers didn't adequately investigate his history as a victim of childhood abuse. Death penalty opponents said the case will allow more death row inmates to successfully claim that their representation did not meet constitutional standards.

Bowed out of a dispute over whether sneaker giant Nike's corporate ads and statements are protected by the Constitution's right to free speech, a disappointment to big business, media companies and the public relations industry.

Gave states some leeway in drawing political boundaries in areas with heavy black populations, a ruling that likely helps Democrats. Justices said lower courts reviewing redistricting cases under the 1965 Voting Rights Act should consider all factors and not just whether minorities can elect a minority candidate.

- The Associated Press