The relationship of religious fundamentalism, right- wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, and prejudice against homosexuals - an empirical test of a causal model

Abstract

The equality of citizens is one of the fundamental values of western societies since the age of enlightenment. But the process of legal equalization seems to be never completed, because new demands are constantly emerging in a changing society. One example is the ongoing legalization of same-sex marriage in the Western hemisphere. ‘Equality before the law’ is an important progress, but citizens with a perceivable non-heterosexual lifestyle are conspicuously often confronted with negative attitudes, prejudices, and discrimination. The question is: Who maintains and conveys such values in a changing society? The empirical research has presented numerous hints that some teachings of monotheistic religions have such an effect, while other teachings are closely related to peace and dignity.