Americans are shifting left on almost every social issue you can think of

Americans are feeling a lot more permissive about things in 2015 than they did in 2001.

A recent Gallup poll shows Americans are more likely to say that gay sex is morally acceptable, that divorce is acceptable, that extramarital affairs are acceptable, that physician-assisted suicide is acceptable, and even that cloning animals or human beings is acceptable:

Gallup

It's not that these matters are related or even that anything goes — public support for cloning, suicide, and polygamy (among other things) remains distinctly low. But the matter of what is acceptable behavior has widely expanded.

Just about the only things Americans are less likely to accept since 2001? The death penalty and animal testing. While the trend is shifting in a libertarian direction, the rising influence of “cultural liberal” values seem to move along with more libertine views about sex and a growing compassion toward convicted criminals and non-human animals.

We have a request

Vox's journalism is free because we believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, consumers and stewards of this planet. In short, understanding benefits everyone. You can join in on this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Reader support helps keep our work free, for everyone. Will you join us?

One-Time Monthly Annual

$95/year

$120/year

$250/year

$350/year

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $120/year

Yes, I'll give $120/year

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via