A recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute shows that blacks and Latinos agree that birth control should be available to all women who need it, according to Huffington Post writer Lauren Markoe, and that idea doesn't mean they're on the outs with their religious beliefs.
"Freedom of choice is probably one of the most precious components of what it means to be a Christian and black Americans have really been quite possessive and reflective on this fact," [Stacey Floyd-Thomas, an ethics professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School] said. So even among those who consider abortion or same-sex marriage a sin, she said, there is the conviction that "what I might personally believe does not mean that the practice should not be an option."
On birth control, strong majorities of blacks (92 percent) and Hispanics (85 percent) favored expanding access to it for women who can't afford it. Responses to this question did not vary significantly based on religious affiliation, gender, age or level of education.
In general, blacks and Hispanics said one could hold different opinions on contraception than their churches and still be considered a good Catholic or Christian. More than eight in 10 (81 percent in both groups) said they can hold a different view and still be a person of good standing in their faith.
Read Lauren Markoe's entire piece at the Huffington Post.
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