In addition to inspiring The Laramie Project, the death of Matthew Shepard has inspired Americans of myriad backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles to reflect on their own feelings about homosexuality, tolerance, and hate.

In 1998 and previously, TIME Magazine and CNN teamed up to identify and "out" some of these attitudes through a series of poll questions asked of over 1,000 Americans*.

How far have we come? Make yourself part of the answer by reading and making choices in the following poll questions.

How do you feel about homosexual relationships?

	1978	1998
Acceptable for others, but not self	35%	52%
Acceptable for others and self	6%	12%
Not acceptable at all	59%	33%

Your Opinion:
--- make a selection --- Acceptable for others, but not self Acceptable for others and self Not acceptable at all

Are homosexual relationships between consenting adults morally wrong or not a moral issue?

	1978	1998
Yes, morally wrong	53%	48%
Not a moral issue	38%	45%

Your Opinion:
--- make a selection --- Yes, morally wrong Not a moral issue

Do you have a family member or close friend who is gay or lesbian?

	1994	1998
Yes	32%	41%
No	66%	57%

Your Opinion:
--- make a selection --- Yes No

Is homosexuality something that some people are born with, or is it due to factors such as how they were raised or their environment?

		1998
Born with		33%
How raised or environment		40%
Both		11%

Your Opinion:
--- make a selection --- Born with How raised or environment Both

Can people who are homosexual change their orientation if they choose to do so?

		1998
Yes		51%
No		36%

Your Opinion:
--- make a selection --- Yes No

Do you favor or oppose people who are openly gay or lesbian to teach in schools in your community?

		1998
Favor		51%
Oppose		42%

Your Opinion:
--- make a selection --- Favor Oppose

Could an attack on a gay student like the one in Wyoming happen in your own community?

		1998
Yes		68%
No		27%

Your Opinion:
--- make a selection --- Yes No

Federal law mandates increased penalties for people who commit hate crimes against racial minorities. Do you favor or oppose the same treatment for people who commit hate crimes against homosexuals?

		1998
Favor		76%
Oppose		19%

Your Opinion:
--- make a selection --- Favor Oppose