The moderating effect of LGBT contact on religious social workers’ attitudes toward same-sex parenting: Evidence from Israel

Abstract This study examines how contact with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other sexual and gender minorities) individuals moderates the relationship between religiosity and attitudes toward same-sex parenting among social workers in Israel. While previous research has established negative correlations between religiosity and attitudes toward LGBT individuals and same-sex parenting, little is known about factors that may moderate this relationship, particularly among helping professionals. Using data from 506 Israeli social workers, we found that contact with LGBT individuals significantly moderated the negative relationship between religiosity and attitudes toward same-sex parenting, with the strongest effect observed among highly religious social workers. These findings have important implications for social work education and practice.