Can a leopard change its spots? Can an old dog learn new tricks? Can older adults change their minds about controversial moral issues? You might be surprised!

A majority of Americans now say that gay or lesbian relations are morally acceptable, and support for these relations has never been higher. For example, the Pew Research Center reports that, for the first time, a majority of Americans now support same-sex marriage.

Young adults show the highest level of support for gay and lesbian relations, and their support has grown over time. According to new Gallup poll results, three-quarters (74%) of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 say that these relations are morally acceptable. Over the past 12 years, support has increased by 22 points for this age category.

But the big news is this: For the first time, a majority of older Americans now agree with their young compatriots. Fifty-one percent of Americans 55 years of age and older now say that gay or lesbian relations are morally acceptable. And, their support has grown the fastest of any age category. Since 2001, acceptance of gay or lesbian relations by Americans 55+ has increased by 25 points.

And, as we’ll see this week, this isn’t the only moral issue where older Americans are changing their attitudes.

Just for the record, the age-old saying that you can’t teach old dogs (canis lupis familiaris) new tricks is a myth. Myth Busters busted it (see the episode here).

Are you surprised to learn that older Americans are changing their minds about gay and lesbian relations?

Have you changed your mind?

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