Challenging the notion that Vermont was always left wing

[Sprouts Farmers Market ✘]

LGBT issues have the appearance of being a left/right issue in modern times due to the generational gap in the bases of the two parties. Of course the older generation is more inclined towards the traditional view and on most other issues, the Republican Party caters to them as well.

Among Republicans under 50, a majority have supported for a couple years now. I don't know the exact percentage difference between parties adjusted for age, but it can't be more than 20-25%. That sounds like a lot, but in this polarized country, it really isn't for something that is such a divisive issue that people are indoctrinated into by just agreeing with whatever politicians on their side support. It's hard to believe but among all Democrats just 5 years ago, it still didn't poll majority support (and had virtually no support among Republicans). The gain is almost completely generational, and once it gained the initial steam the middle age bracket began "getting with the times".

I believe for a younger age group of Republicans, I've seen it poll in the high 60s recently. 18-33 ruralites alone were in the low 60s so suburban Republicans should easily increase that.

Many kudos to the liberals for picking up the issue first - they entire party once had a 40 point advantage in supporting it (when no Republicans supported it), but factor in how liberal those who started voting in the early 00's are due to Iraq and the fact that it seems natural for all youngs to support it based on the youngs who vote against Obama massively supporting it and there is a bit of coincidence in why one ideology embraced it. No doubt a good deal of middle aged Democrats began embracing it because of the youth in their party whereas Republicans failed to due to the lack of youngs, but I don't think you can fault those people for basically aligning themselves with their partisan platform basically given to them. That's not due to homophobia as it is with olds because they are embracing it now.

Of course, LGBTQA issues extend far beyond gay marriage - an issue largely resolved at this point. It will be interesting to see if young Republicans are not afraid to be activists further. They could be merely tolerant. I don't think that's the case because there is an obvious outright support. (A great deal of pro-gay marriage homophobes exist, and they are the worst types of people, but I don't think it's enough to dent the polls.) When the left continues to be activists, it would be in the vein of sexual liberation. I don't know what the next goal would be for the right - perhaps just complete acceptance of every aspect of the individual and showing sensitivity to the desires of the community. Judging by Facebook, the religious right even seems to come around with their absolutely horrible "Hate the sin, Love the sinner" trash. There's definitely more room for acceptance to grow with that ever shrinking crowd. They could also focus on opposing the left by strengthening the family unit (though that's hardly right-wing by itself) so long as they continue their act of acceptance.