Public opinion of same-sex marriage in the United States

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Legal recognition of
same-sex relationships
Marriage

Argentina
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Denmark1
France
Iceland
Netherlands2

New Zealand†3
Norway
Portugal
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Uruguay†
Performed in some jurisdictions

Mexico: DF, QR
United States: CT, DC, DE†, IA, MA, MD, ME, MN†, NH, NY, RI†, VT, WA, 3 tribal jurisdictions
Recognized, not performed

Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten (NL only)
Israel
Mexico (when performed in Mexico)
United States: CA (conditional)
† Not yet in effect

1 Not in the Faroe Islands or Greenland
2 Not in Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten
3 Not in Tokelau, Niue or the Cook Islands
LGBT portal
  Recent polls or ballot votes that show a majority of that state's population supports same-sex marriage.
  Recent polls that show less than a majority of that state's population opposes same-sex marriage.
  Recent polls or ballot votes that show a majority of that state's population opposes same-sex marriage.

There is much media coverage of and research on public opinion of same-sex marriage in the United States. Most recent polls show majority support for legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Majority public support for same-sex marriage has solidified, and recent polls consistently indicate support above 50%.[1] Support has increased steadily for more than a decade, with supporters first achieving a majority in 2010.[2] An August 2010 CNN poll became the first national poll to show majority support for same-sex marriage,[3] with nearly all subsequent polls showing majority support.[4][5][6][7]

Support for same-sex marriage generally correlates with lack of religious fundamentalism, young age,[8] higher education, and residence in the Northeast and West Coast.[9] Women are also more likely to be in support than men.[5]

Contents

Polls[edit]

Polls in 2013[edit]

A May 9 Washington Post-ABC News poll found that 55% of Americans supported gay marriage while 40% did not.[10]

A March 20–24 CBS News Poll shows that 53% of Americans support same-sex marriage, 39% oppose, and 8% are undecided.[11] The same poll also finds that 33% of Americans who now think same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry say they once held the opposite view and have changed their opinion.

A March 7–10 Washington Post-ABC News[12] poll shows that 58% of Americans support same-sex marriage while 36% oppose. The poll indicates that 52% of GOP-leaning independents under 50 years old now support gay marriage.[13]

A March Quinnipiac University poll found 47% support and 43% opposed among all voters.[14]

A February Fox News poll indicated that 46% of Americans support same-sex marriage while another 46% oppose it.[15]

A March 20–24 CBS News Poll showed that 53% of Americans support same-sex marriage while 39% oppose it.[16]

Polls in 2012[edit]

A November 26–29 Gallup poll found that 53% of Americans support same-sex marriage while 46% do not.[17]

A November 16–19 CBS News poll found that 51% of Americans support same-sex marriage while 40% do not.[18]

A November 7–11 ABC News/Washington Post poll found 51% of respondents support same-sex marriage while 47% are opposed.[19]

A June 6 CNN/ORC International poll showed that a majority of Americans support same-sex marriage being legalized at 54%, while 42% are opposed.[20]

A May 22 NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed that 54% of Americans would support a law in their state making same-sex marriage legal, with 40% opposed.[21]

A May 17–20 ABC News/Washington Post poll showed that 53% believe same-sex marriage should be legal, with only 39% opposed, a low point for opposition in any national poll so far.[22][23]

A May 10 USA Today/Gallup Poll, taken one day after Barack Obama became the first sitting President to express support for same-sex marriage,[24] showed 51% of Americans agreed with the President's endorsement, while 45% disagreed.[25] A May 8 Gallup Poll showed plurality support for same-sex marriage nationwide, with 50% in favor and 48% opposed.[26]

An April Pew Research Center poll showed support for same-sex marriage at 48%, while opposition fell to 44%.[27]

A March 7–10 ABC News/Washington Post poll found 52% of adults thought it should be legal for same-sex couples to get married, while 42% disagreed and 5% were unsure.[28] A March survey by the Public Religion Research Institute found 52% of Americans supported allowing same-sex couples to marry, while 44% opposed.[29]

A February 29 – March 3 NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found 49% of adults supported allowing same-sex couples to marry, while 40% opposed.[30]

Polls in 2011[edit]

Public support for same-sex marriage continued to grow in 2011. In February and March, a Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey found about as many adults favored (45%) as opposed (46%) allowing same-sex couples to marry legally, compared to a 2009 Pew Research survey that found just 37% backed same-sex marriage while 54% opposed.[31] In March and April, polls by Gallup,[5] ABC News/Washington Post,[6] and CNN/Opinion Research[7] all showed that a majority of Americans approved of same-sex marriage.

As had been the case since 1996, there remained a wide partisan division. In March, Pew reported that 57% of Democrats favored legal recognition for same-sex marriage, and 51% of independents agreed, but only 23% of Republicans agreed.[31] An April CNN/Opinion Research Poll showed majority support including 64% of Democrats and 55% of independents, but only 27% of Republicans.[7]

In March 2011, Democracy Corps conducted a survey of 1,000 likely 2012 election voters in 50 congressional districts considered political battlegrounds. It asked respondents to rate their feelings on the same-sex marriage issue on a 0–100 scale, with 100 being "very warm" or favorable feelings, and 0 being "very cold" or unfavorable feelings. 42% were on the "cool" or unfavorable side, and 35% were on the "warm" or favorable side.[32]

A May 2011 Gallup Poll also showed majority support for same-sex marriage, 53% in favor to 45% opposed. Gallup measured a 9-point increase in support, from 44% to 53%, indicating that support increased faster than in any previous year.[5]

Polls in 2010[edit]

In 2010, national polls began to show majority support for same-sex marriage.

An August Associated Press/National Constitution Center poll found 52% agreed that the federal government should give legal recognition to marriages between couples of the same sex, an increase from 46% in 2009. 46% disagreed, compared to 53% in 2009.[4]

An August CNN/Opinion Research Poll showed that 49% of respondents thought gays and lesbians do have a constitutional right to get married and have their marriage recognized by law as valid, and 52% thought gays and lesbians should have that right.[33]

Earlier polls in February and May found opinion divided within the margin of error, but with a consistent trend of increasing support and decreasing opposition compared to prior years.[34][35] One August poll found majority opposition,[36][37] and a November exit poll of 17,504 voters by CNN during the 2010 midterm elections found 53% opposition with 41% support.[38]

Older polls (2009 and earlier)[edit]

An April 30, 2009 ABC News/Washington Post poll found support for allowing same-sex couples to marry in the United States ahead of opposition for the first time: 49% support, 46% opposition, and 5% with no opinion. In addition, 53% believed that same-sex marriages performed in other states should be legal in their states. 62% of Democrats and 52% of Independents supported same-sex marriage, while 74% of Republicans opposed.[39]

An April 22–26, 2009, poll by CBS/New York Times found 42% supported marriage for same sex couples, 25% supported civil unions, and 28% opposed any legal recognition of same sex couples.[40] 5% of respondents were unsure.

A USA Today/Gallup Poll conducted May 7–10, 2009, however, found support at only 40%, lower than in 2003, with 57% opposed.[41] According to this poll, 48% of Americans feel that society would change for the worse if same sex marriage were legalized, the same percentage as a 2003 poll.[42] The poll asked: "Which comes closest to your view? Gay couples should be allowed to legally marry. OR, Gay couples should be allowed to form civil unions but not legally marry. OR, There should be no legal recognition of a gay couple's relationship."

Legal Marriage Civil Unions No Legal Recognition Unsure
All respondents 42% 25% 28% 5%
Republicans 18% 31% 49% 2%
Democrats 52% 22% 21% 5%
Independents 43% 26% 25% 6%

A CBS News poll conducted from March 12–26, 2009[43] asked: "Which comes closest to your view? Gay couples should be allowed to legally marry. OR, Gay couples should be allowed to form civil unions but not legally marry. OR, There should be no legal recognition of a gay couple's relationship."

Legal marriage Civil union No recognition Unsure
All political parties 33% 27% 35% 5%
  Republicans 6% 34% 59% 1%
  Democrats 46% 23% 26% 5%
  Independents 37% 26% 30% 7%

Nate Silver noted that the discrepancy in support for same-sex marriage appears to result from 5-10% of respondents who favor civil unions over same-sex marriage, but given only two choices, will support same-sex marriage.[44]

A LifeWay Research poll conducted in August 2009 found that 61% of Americans born between 1980 and 1991 see nothing wrong with two people of the same gender getting married while 39% disagree. The survey was conducted on a demographically representative survey of 1,200 U.S. adults between 18 and 29 years old.[45]

In a poll conducted on July 17, 2008, by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, with 55 percent opposed, and 36 percent in favor.[46] An ABC News poll found that the majority (58%) of Americans remained opposed to same-sex marriages, while the minority (36%) support them. However, on the question of a constitutional amendment, more are now opposed than for it. The majority (51%) of Americans say the issue should be left for the states to decide, while 43% would agree with amending the Constitution.[47]

When asked about the legal status, a July 2008 poll by Quinnipiac University Polling Institute revealed that 32% of respondents would allow homosexual partners to legally marry, 33% would permit them to form civil unions, and 29% would grant them no legal recognition.[46][48] A December 2008 poll revealed that 32% of respondents support the concept of civil unions, 31% would offer full marriage rights to same-sex couples, and 30% oppose any legal recognition for gay and lesbian partnerships.[49]

Prior to this poll, Gallup conducted a poll on the issue through May 2006. The poll found opposition to same-sex marriage had fallen slightly, as other polls found a sharper dip. In the poll, when asked if marriages between homosexuals should be recognized by law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages, 58% (down 1 point from Aug 2005, and 9 points from March 1996) of Americans responded that they should not be recognized. 39% (up 2 points from Aug 2005, and 12 points from 1996) felt same-sex marriages should be recognized by law. If "homosexuals" is replaced with "same-sex couples", 42% back same-sex marriage while 56% oppose it.[citation needed]

A similar poll conducted in March 2006, a Princeton Survey Research Associates/Pew Research Center poll concluded 39% of Americans support same-sex marriage, while 51% oppose it, and 10% were undecided. In December 2004, a poll by the same company found 61% of Americans opposed – with 38% "strongly opposed". Now, less than 2 years later, just 23% are "strongly opposed". However, an identical poll taken by the same group in June 2006 found a rise in those opposed to same-sex marriage, with 56% disapproving of the practice.

The most recent poll prior to this also showed opposition to same-sex marriages had fallen. An Opinion Dynamics/Fox News poll released April 6 of 2006. According to this poll, 55% of Americans oppose same-sex marriage, 33% support it, and 11% are unsure of where they stand.

Opinion of same-sex marriage in the US.

Gallup Poll (known as the "CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll" before 2006) of adults nationwide.

"Do you think marriages between same-sex couples should or should not be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?" (Wording pre-2006: "Do you think marriages between homosexuals should or should not be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?") N=492, MoE ± 5 (Form A)

In the following table, "Y" means "Should Be Valid"; "N" means "Should Not Be Valid"; and "U" means "Unsure".

Poll Date Y N U
5/3 – 5/6/2012 50 48 2
5/5 – 5/8/2011 53 45 3
5/2 – 5/6/2010 44 53 3
5/7 – 5/10-2009 40 57 3
5/8 – 5/11/2008 40 56 4
5/10 – 5/13/2007 46 53 1
5/8 – 5/11/2006 42 56 2
4/29 – 5/1/2005 39 56 5
3/18 – 3/20/2005 28 68 4
7/19 – 7/21/2004 32 62 6
3/5 – 3/7/2004 33 61 6
2/16 – 2/17/2004 32 64 4
2/6 – 2/8/2004 36 59 5
12/2003 31 65 4
10/2003 35 61 4
6/2003 39 55 6
1/2000 34 62 4
2/1999 35 62 3
3/1996 27 68 5

A poll taken June 22, 2006 by Rasmussen Reports asked "Should marriage be defined in terms of a union between a man and a woman? Or should marriage be defined as a union between any two people including same sex couples?" 68% replied that "marriage is between man and woman", 29% said marriage "between any two people" and 4% were "not sure".[50]

CBS News poll historical results[43] asking:

  • "Which comes closest to your view? Gay couples should be allowed to legally marry. OR, Gay couples should be allowed to form civil unions but not legally marry. OR, There should be no legal recognition of a gay couple's relationship."
Legal marriage Civil union No recognition Unsure
August 20–24, 2010 40% 30% 25% 5%
April 5–12, 2010 39% 24% 30% 7%
June 12–16, 2009 33% 30% 32% 5%
April 22–26, 2009 42% 25% 28% 5%
March 12–26, 2009 33% 27% 35% 5%
May 30 - June 3, 2008 30% 28% 36% 6%
March 7–11, 2007 28% 32% 35% 5%
October 27–31, 2006 28% 29% 38% 5%
February 24–28, 2005 23% 34% 41% 2%
November 18–21, 2004 21% 32% 44% 3%
July 11–15, 2004 28% 31% 38% 3%
May 20–23, 2004 28% 29% 40% 3%
March 10–14, 2004 22% 33% 40% 5%
  • The same CBS News Poll highlighting regional, political party affiliations and age differences in views. March 12–16, 2009. Nationwide:
Demographic Marriage Civil union No recognition
All 33% 27% 25%
Republicans 6% 34% 59%
Democrats 46% 23% 26%
Independents 37% 26% 30%
18–45 years 41% 23% 32%
45-64 29% 32% 35%
65 and older 26% 29% 41%
65 & older 18% 27% 47%
Men 27% 28% 42%
Women 38% 26% 30%

Pew Research[edit]

The Pew Research Center/Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey poll[43] asking:

  • "Do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally?" (Margin of error three percent)
Date Favor Oppose Unsure
April 4–15, 2012[51][52] 47% 43% 10%
February 22–March 14, 2011[53] 45% 46% 9%
July 21–August 5, 2010[53] 42% 48% 10%
July 9, 2009[53] 37% 54% 9%
May 21–25, 2008[53] 38% 49% 13%
August, 2007 36% 55% 9%
March 8–12, 2006[54] 39% 51% 10%
July 13–17, 2005 36% 53% 11%
December 1–16, 2004 32% 61% 7%
August 5–10, 2004 29% 60% 11%
July 2004 32% 56% 12%
March 2004 32% 59% 9%
February 2004 30% 63% 7%
November 2003 30% 62% 8%
October 2004 30% 58% 12%
  • "Do you strongly favor, oppose, or strongly oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to enter into legal agreements with each other that would give them many of the same rights as married couples? (Margin of error three percent)
Date Favor Oppose Unsure
July 13–17, 2005 53% 40% 7%
August 5–10, 2004 48% 45% 7%
July 2004 49% 43% 8%
March 2004 49% 44% 7%
October 2003 45% 47% 8%

A further Pew study in March 2006 found that 51% oppose same-sex marriage, with 39% supporting it, and the level of "strongly opposing" same-sex marriage has fallen from 42% to 28%.[54] Pew's May 2008 Survey found that for the first time, a majority of people do not oppose same-sex marriage at 49%. 20% oppose and 29% Strongly oppose same-sex marriage, up 1% from the March 2006 Pew Research Results.[53]

"Bradley Effect"[edit]

Commentators have noted instances where polling data has overstated voter opposition to referendums banning same-sex marriage;[55] some have suggested that there may be a variation of the "Bradley Effect" in which individuals opposed to same-sex marriage are reluctant to express their true views to pollsters.[55] In 2010, a study by an assistant professor at New York University analyzed the previous 10 years of polling data and election results. He concluded that "Polls on gay marriage ballot initiatives generally under-estimate the opposition to gay marriage by about seven percentage points" and that the "Bradley Effect" was not a factor in the difference between the polls and the election outcomes.

Overview[edit]

When the Defense of Marriage Act was signed in 1996, only 25% of the American public supported same-sex marriage; support has increased gradually ever since. California's Proposition 8, passed 52%-48% by voters after a controversial campaign in 2008, has been declared unconstitutional by two federal courts but remains in litigation;[56] polling in 2012 shows 59% of California voters approve of same-sex marriage.[57]

After President Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage on May 9, 2012, among cultural groups, 59 percent of African-Americans in most recent surveys express support – up from 41 percent in combined ABC/Post polls from Spring 2012 and the summer of 2011. Likewise, 65 percent support Obama's new position on the issue. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced its formal support shortly after President Obama's endorsement. Fewer whites, 46 percent, approve of Obama’s announcement, and 50 percent support same-sex marriage – numerically (albeit not statistically significant) the fewest since 2010.[58] Hispanic/Latino support hovers generally around the 60% mark.

Demographical differences[edit]

By age[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Age % of U.S. population
18–29 years old[59] 81 81
 
18–39 years old 70 70
 
30–39 years old 53 53
 
40–64 years old 55 55
 
50–64 years old 57 57
 
65 years old and up 44 44
 
All Adults 58 58
 

It has been noted that the biggest factor in the growth of support for same sex marriage and civil unions has been driven by younger Americans, including some young conservatives, who are far more favorably inclined to both civil unions and same sex marriage than seniors.[citation needed] In one meta-analysis by Jeffrey Lax and Justin Phillips of Columbia University, a majority of 18–29 year old Americans in 38 states support same sex marriage while in only 6 states do less than 45% of 18–29 year olds support same-sex marriage. At the same time not a single state shows support for same-sex marriage greater than 35% amongst those 64 and older. The result is that even in the state with the greatest overall support for same-sex marriage, those 64 and older will be less supportive of same-sex marriage than 18–29 year olds in the state least receptive to same-sex marriage.[60] This suggests that, over time, same sex marriage will continue to gain support simply due to the increasing number of more supportive youth and the decrease of less supportive, seniors. Lax and Phillips also suggest a "tipping point" effect at which point support for same-sex marriage begins to grow increasingly quickly once a certain level of support is reached by the population. This would explain why support for gay rights has increased more quickly among all age groups in states that were initially the most supportive of gay rights than in states with low initial levels of support.[60]

Pew polling shows that older generations show less support for same-sex marriage than newer ones. Over the years 2001 through 2011, those born between 1928 and 1945 increased their support from 21% to 32%; those born between 1946 and 1964 increased their support from 32 to 37 percent; and those born between 1965 and 1980 decreased support from 49% to 46%. The generation born in 1981 and later was first tracked in 2003, when they voiced 51% support; by 2011, that figure had risen to 64%.[61]

By education[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Education % of U.S. population
Post grad[12] 69 69
 
College grad 64 64
 
Some college 56 56
 
High School or less 54 54
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By household income[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Household Income % of U.S. population
$100K+ 65 65
 
$50K-$100K 59 59
 
<$50K 58 58
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By political ideology[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Political Ideology % of U.S. population
Liberal 74 74
 
Moderate 71 71
 
Conservative 33 33
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By political party[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Political Party % of U.S. population
Liberal Democrat 77 77
 
18 to 49 year old Democrats and Dem-leaning independents[62] 73 73
 
50 to 64 year old Democrats and Dem-leaning independents 73 73
 
Democrat 72 72
 
Moderate/Conservative Democrat 69 69
 
65 year old and up Democrats and Dem-leaning independents 64 64
 
Independent 62 62
 
18 to 49 year old Republicans and Rep-leaning independents 52 52
 
50 to 64 year old Republicans and Rep-leaning independents 37 37
 
Republican 34 34
 
65 year old and up Republicans and Rep-leaning independents 25 25
 
Conservative Republican 24 24
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By ethnicity[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Ethnicity % of U.S. population
Latino Americans[63] 60 60
 
Black Americans[64] 59 59
 
White Americans[65] 50 50
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By religion[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Religion % of U.S. population
Jewish[66] 81 81
 
No religion 81 81
 
White non-evangelical Protestant 70 70
 
Roman Catholic 59 59
 
White Catholic 58 58
 
Other Christian 52 52
 
Protestant 49 49
 
White evangelical Protestant 31 31
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By registered voters[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Registered voters % of U.S. population
Registered voters 56 56
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By region[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Region % of U.S. population
Northeast 60 60
 
West 55 55
 
Midwest 40 40
 
South 33 33
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By sex[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Sex % of U.S. population
Female 61 61
 
Male 54 54
 
All Adults 58 58
 

By state[edit]

Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.
US states % of state population
New Jersey[67] 64 64
 
Rhode Island[68] 60.4 60.4
 
New York[69] 60 60
 
California[70] 59 59
 
Massachusetts[71] 58 58
 
Vermont[72] 58 58
 
Michigan[73] 57 57
 
New Hampshire[74] 56 56
 
Washington, D.C.[75] 56 56
 
Virginia[76] 56 56
 
Connecticut[77] 55 55
 
Hawaii[78] 55 55
 
Arizona[79] 55 55
 
Delaware[80] 54 54
 
Washington[81] 54 54
 
Nevada[82] 54 54
 
Oregon[83] 54 54
 
Maine[84] 53 53
 
Pennsylvania[85] 53 53
 
Maryland[86] 52 52
 
Colorado[87] 51 51
 
Illinois[88] 50 50
 
Minnesota[89] 49 49
 
Ohio[90] 48 48
 
Texas[91] 47.9 47.9
 
Iowa[92] 46 46
 
Florida[93] 45 45
 
Indiana[94] 45 45
 
New Mexico[95] 44 44
 
Wisconsin[96] 44 44
 
North Carolina[97] 43.2 43.2
 
Alaska[98] 43 43
 
Montana[99] 43 43
 
Kansas[100] 39 39
 
Missouri[101] 36 36
 
Nebraska[102] 32 32
 
Tennessee[103] 32 32
 
Louisiana[104] 30 30
 
Utah[105] 28 28
 
Georgia[106] 27 27
 
South Carolina[107] 27 27
 
Kentucky[108] 27 27
 
West Virginia[109] 19 19
 
Arkansas[110] 18 18
 
Mississippi[111] 13 13
 

States in which polls showed majority support for same-sex marriage in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, along with the District of Columbia. In 2013, polls showed that 24 US states and the District of Columbia, now support same-sex marriage.

While the population of the New England states are generally accepting of same sex marriages, polls show that the population of Iowa, a state in the Mid-West which recognizes same-sex marriage, does not have a majority in favor of same sex marriage. A poll from Iowa conducted for the Des Moines Register indicates that Iowans are evenly divided over a state constitutional amendment that would overturn the Iowa court decision, with a plurality disagreeing with the decision and a vast majority (92%) stating that the decision hasn't impacted their lives.[112] Polling prior to the state supreme court decision legalizing same sex marriage place support in the high thirties or low forties.[113] A breakdown of voter opinion by age brackets in Iowa, as elsewhere, showed younger Iowans overwhelmingly supporting same sex unions; 60% of those in the 18-30 age bracket supported same-sex marriage in an April 2009 poll.[114][115]

Support for same sex unions does not guarantee state Supreme Court decisions or legislative action. New York voters have registered consistent support for same sex unions in polling dating back to 2005. However, New York state government did not grant marriage licenses to same sex couples until July 2011. Similarly, there is robust support in most states for either same sex marriage or civil unions, but due to past initiatives, legislation, and/or constitutional amendments, these states currently ban same sex unions. Thirty states currently have constitutional amendments against same sex marriage. Some of those amendments, such as those in Virginia, Ohio, and Wisconsin ban both marriages and civil unions.[116] However, several states are now considering reversing bans that have recently been enacted.[117] Jon Huntsman, former governor of Utah, opposed same-sex marriage but supported civil unions; a spokesman summarized, "His position on that issue is the same as President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney."[118]

Public opinion on same sex marriage and unions in the United States thus reveals a great deal of change in a short period of time and significant regional disparity. While New England, the Pacific Coast and northern Middle Atlantic states may support full-fledged marriage, comparisons of polling from a decade past to today reveals significant growth in support for same sex marriages and civil unions in those regions. Meanwhile polling from other regions show that while support for same sex marriages or civil unions have increased across the country, the growth of support is not uniform, with a significantly lower level of support occurring in the Deep South compared to the rest of the country.[60] Given the wide diversity of opinions within the U.S., many supporters of same sex unions believe that the most accurate way to discuss support for same sex unions in the United States is on a state-by-state or region-to-region basis.

See also[edit]

Portal icon LGBT portal
Portal icon United States portal

References[edit]

  1. ^ Same-Sex Marriage Support Solidifies Above 50% in U.S. http://www.gallup.com/poll/162398/sex-marriage-support-solidifies-above.aspx
  2. ^ Polls: Same-Sex Marriage, Gay Rights, Poll: Support For Gay Marriage GrowingGelman, Andrew; Lax, Jeffrey; Phillips, Justin (August 21, 2010). "Over Time, a Gay Marriage Groundswell". The New York Times. , Growing Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage
  3. ^ Gelman, Andrew; Lax, Jeffrey; Phillips, Justin (August 21, 2010). "Over Time, a Gay Marriage Groundswell". The New York Times. 
  4. ^ a b "The AP-National Constitution Center Poll – Aug 11-16, 2010" (PDF). August 2010. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  5. ^ a b c d "For First Time, Majority of Americans Favor Legal Gay Marriage". Gallup.com. May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  6. ^ a b "ABC News/Washington Post poll: same-sex marriage – March 18, 2011" (PDF). March 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  7. ^ a b c "CNN Opinion Research – April 9-10, 2011" (PDF). April 19, 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  8. ^ Jeffery R. Lax and Justin H. Phillips (2009). Gay Rights in the States: Public Opinion and Policy Responsiveness. Columbia University.
  9. ^ "Americans' Opposition to Gay Marriage Eases Slightly". Gallup.com. May 24, 2010. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  10. ^ Gay Rights Poll: ABC News, Washington Post Survey Finds Support For Same-Sex Marriage, Ending Boy Scout Ban retrieved 30 May 2013
  11. ^ http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57576249/poll-53-of-americans-support-same-sex-marriage/
  12. ^ a b http://www.washingtonpost.com/page/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/03/18/National-Politics/Polling/question_10009.xml?uuid=qPNlgI_1EeKRc3-Hzac7SQ
  13. ^ [1]
  14. ^ National (US) Poll
  15. ^ Fox News poll: Americans deeply divided over approval of same-sex marriage retrieved 6 March 2013
  16. ^ "Poll: 53% of Americans support same-sex marriage". CBS News. March 26, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2013. 
  17. ^ Religion Big Factor for Americans Against Same-Sex Marriage retrieved 7 December 2012
  18. ^ Poll: 51 percent support same-sex marriage retrieved 4 December 2012
  19. ^ Majority Supports Path to Citizenship; Greater Division on Other Social Issues retrieved 17-11-2012
  20. ^ Pruitt, Bill (June 6, 2012). "Majority of Americans support legalizing same-sex marriage, poll shows". yahoo.com. Retrieved 6 June 2012.  archived here [2]
  21. ^ Americans increase support of marriage equality retrieved 23 May 2012
  22. ^ After President Obama’s announcement, Opposition to same-sex marriage hits record low The Washington Post. Accessed May 23, 2012.
  23. ^ Poll Report: Strong Support for Gay Marriage Now Exceeds Strong Opposition Langer Research Association. langerresearch.com. accessed May 23, 2012.
  24. ^ Sam Stein (May 9, 2012). "Obama Backs Gay Marriage". The Huffington Post.
  25. ^ "Most Popular E-mail Newsletter". USA Today. May 11, 2012. 
  26. ^ "Half of Americans Support Legal Gay Marriage". May 8, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2012. 
  27. ^ Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage
  28. ^ http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm
  29. ^ "Survey | Majority of Americans Do Not Believe Religious Liberty is Under Attack". Publicreligion.org. March 2012. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  30. ^ "Study #12202 NBC News/Wall Street Journal Survey". Retrieved 28 August 2012. 
  31. ^ a b Publications (March 2011). "The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press: Attitudes Toward Social Issues – March 3, 2011". People-press.org. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  32. ^ "Democracy Corps poll - March 2011" (PDF). March 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  33. ^ "CNN Opinion Research – Aug 6-10, 2010" (PDF). August 2010. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  34. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_021010.html Washington Post-ABC News poll
  35. ^ http://www.gallup.com/poll/128291/americans-opposition-gay-marriage-eases-slightly.aspx Americans' Opposition to Gay Marriage Eases Slightly
  36. ^ http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_National_813.pdf PPP Poll – August 13, 2010
  37. ^ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33524 Pollster: Most 'gay marriage' polls skewed http://catholicexchange.com/2010/08/18/133416/Polling Director: Polls Stating Americans Support Gay Marriage Untrustworthy
  38. ^ "CNN 2010 Exit Polls". CNN.com. November 2010. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  39. ^ http://abcnews.go.com/images/PollingUnit/1089a6HotButtonIssues.pdf
  40. ^ [3][dead link]
  41. ^ "Majority of Americans Continue to Oppose Gay Marriage". Gallup.com. May 27, 2009. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  42. ^ Law and Civil Rights: Same-sex marriage, gay rights, CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 22–26, 2009. N=973 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults), PollingReport.com
  43. ^ a b c Law and Civil Rights, PollingReport.com. (Accessed January 05, 2012)
  44. ^ Silver, Nate. "Two National Polls, for First Time, Show Plurality Support for Gay Marriage". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved 2010-12-12 date=April 30, 2009. 
  45. ^ American 'Millennials' divided over same-sex marriage[dead link]
  46. ^ a b Quinnipiac University - Office of Public Affairs (2008-07-17). "American Voters Oppose Same-Sex Marriage Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds, But They Don't Want Government To Ban It". Quinnipiac.edu. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  47. ^ Buchanan, Wyatt, Resistance to same-sex marriage drops across U.S, San Francisco Chronicle, March 24, 2006. (Accessed July 5, 2006)
  48. ^ (07/28/08) (2008-07-13). "U.S. Divided on Homosexual Couples: Angus Reid Global Monitor". Angus-reid.com. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  49. ^ (12/13/08) (2008-12-04). "Americans Divided on Same-Sex Legal Rights: Angus Reid Global Monitor". Angus-reid.com. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  50. ^ "Traditional Views of Marriage Tops in Voters' Minds". Archived from the original on 2008-04-06. Retrieved 2008-06-02. 
  51. ^ [htp://features.pewforum.org/same-sex-marriage-attitudes/index.php "Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage"]. Retrieved 2012-04-29. 
  52. ^ Rosenthal, Andrew (2012-04-26). "Support for Same-Sex Marriage Is Up". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-12-05. 
  53. ^ a b c d e "Fewer Are Angry at Government, But Discontent Remains High". Retrieved 2012-01-05. 
  54. ^ a b "Less Opposition to Gay Marriage, Adoption and Military Service". Retrieved 2007-09-21. 
  55. ^ a b Goodman, Josh (2009-10-27). "In Maine, Will the Polls on Gay Marriage Be Wrong Again?". Governing.com. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  56. ^ Robert Barnes (2011-05-20). "California Proposition 8 same-sex-marriage ban ruled unconstitutional". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  57. ^ Joe Garofoli (2012-02-29). "Same-sex marriage poll finds majority approve". Sfgate.com. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  58. ^ "New Poll Shows Dramatic Shifts in Public Opinion of Gay Marriage Post-Obama Announcement". Atlanta Blackstar. Retrieved May 31, 2012. 
  59. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/03/19/why-support-for-gay-marriage-has-risen-so-quickly/
  60. ^ a b c Lax and Phillips, "Gay Rights in the States: Public Opinion and Policy Responsiveness", August 2009
  61. ^ Ten Years of Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage, The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life
  62. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/03/18/gay-marriage-support-hits-new-high-in-post-abc-poll/
  63. ^ "LGBTAS HispanicPerspective". 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-05. 
  64. ^ Scott Clement and Sandhya Somashekhar (May 23, 2012). "After President Obama's announcement, opposition to gay marriage hits record low". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2012-10-05. 
  65. ^ "National Politics". 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-05. 
  66. ^ "Jewish Values Report". 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-05. 
  67. ^ "New Jersey Poll". Quinnipiac Polling Institute. Retrieved 3/26/13. 
  68. ^ Poll: R.I. supports same-sex marriage
  69. ^ "New York Poll". Quinnipiac Universiy Polling. Retrieved 12/13/12. 
  70. ^ "Poll". UT San Diego. Retrieved 5/29/2013. 
  71. ^ "Hillary Leads Dem 2016 Field Among Massachusetts Voters". Public Policy Polling. Retrieved 5/24/2013. 
  72. ^ Public Policy Polling: "Vermont supports gay marriage, single-payer health care" August 5, 2011, accessed August 9, 2011
  73. ^ Same-sex marriage: A no-brainer for Michigan | Brian Dickerson
  74. ^ "Ayotte faces backlash over gun vote". Public Poilcy Polling. Retrieved 4/24/2013. 
  75. ^ "Majorities polled in D.C. back gay marriage, medical marijuana". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2/7/2010. 
  76. ^ "Virginian’s changing views on gay marriage". The Washington Post. 
  77. ^ "Malloy sinks, Lieberman rises in Connecticut". Public Policy Polling. Retrieved 8/2/2012. 
  78. ^ "Poll: Hawaii Voters Support Allowing Gay Couples To Marry". Honolulu civil Beat. Retrieved 1/28/2012. 
  79. ^ Poll: Majority In Arizona Backs Gay Marriage
  80. ^ "Majority of Delaware voters back same sex marriage". The Washington Blade. Retrieved 3/4/13. 
  81. ^ "WA-Gov a toss up, Obama and gay marriage well ahead". Public Policy Polling. Retrieved 11/3/2012. 
  82. ^ "54% Support Repealing Ban on Marriage Equality in Nevada". Gayapolis. Retrieved 2/26/2013. 
  83. ^ "Kitzhaber, Merkley lead potential foes". Public Policy Polling. Retrieved 12/7/12. 
  84. ^ Maine Voters Unfazed by Gay Ma rriage, Support Assault Weapons Ban
  85. ^ Franklin & Marshall College Poll
  86. ^ "Same-sex marriage favored by Maryland likely voters". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 19, 2012. 
  87. ^ Colorado voters support gay marriage
  88. ^ "Illinoisans back gay marriage 50-29: Crain's/Ipsos poll". Chicago Business. Retrieved 2/19/2013. 
  89. ^ Dayton leads potential opponents for reelection
  90. ^ Quinnipiac poll: Ohioans support gay marriage
  91. ^ "GLBT TEXAS ISSUES SURVEY". Glengariff Group, Inc. Retrieved March 15, 2013. 
  92. ^ "Branstad leads for reelection". Public Policy Polling. Retrieved 2/6/2013. 
  93. ^ "December 20, 2012 - Florida Voters Oppose School Reforms By Big Margins, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Voters Split On Same-Sex Marriage". Quinnipiac University. Retrieved 12/20/12. 
  94. ^ Poll finds Indiana residents split on gay marriage
  95. ^ New Mexicans split on gay marriage
  96. ^ Clinton would beat Walker, Ryan in Wisconsin in 2016
  97. ^ Elon Poll: N.C. residents oppose several legislative proposals
  98. ^ [4]
  99. ^ [5]
  100. ^ "Pat Roberts anonymous to many Kansas voters". Public Policy Polling. Retrieved 02/27/2013. 
  101. ^ "Missouri will be a swing state this year, voters say". Public Policy Polling. Retrieved 6/1/2012. 
  102. ^ Support For Gay Marriage In Nebraska Increases
  103. ^ "Vanderbilt poll finds growing support for same-sex marriage". The Tennessean. Retrieved 5/21/2013. 
  104. ^ Public Policy Polling
  105. ^ [6]
  106. ^ Georgia Miscellany
  107. ^ Public Policy Polling: "SC against gay marriage, Tea Party; Dems want Hillary in '16," September 9, 2011, accessed September 9, 2011
  108. ^ Public Policy Polling: [7], accessed April 24, 2013
  109. ^ Public Policy Polling: "WV against gay marriage, for Tea Party, Steelers, Reds/Bucs," September 15, 2011, accessed September 20, 2011
  110. ^ Home state politics inform Dem senators' gay marriage hesitance
  111. ^ Mississippi Voters on a Variety of Topics
  112. ^ "Iowa Poll: Iowans evenly divided on gay marriage ban", September 21, 2009, Des Moines Register
  113. ^ "Hawkeye Poll: Majority of Iowans support recognition of same-sex relationships", April 3, 2009, University of Iowa News Service
  114. ^ Hawkeye Poll - Gay Marriage, April 2, 2009
  115. ^ Schneider, Bill (May 15, 2008). "Post-Election Poll Shows Progress On Gay And Lesbian Issues" (Press release). Third Way. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
  116. ^ "Bans in 3 States on Gay Marriage", November 5, 2008, The New York Times
  117. ^ "Setback for gay rights in Maine, but hope elsewhere", November 15, 2009, The Cap Times
  118. ^ Eve Conant (2011-06-21). "Jon Huntsman for President 2012: Candidate's Gay-Rights Shakeup". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2012-03-15. 
Same-sex marriage legalized:
Laws not yet in effect
Same-sex marriage recognized,
but not performed:
Civil union or domestic partnership legal:
Same-sex marriage prohibited by statute:
Same-sex marriage prohibited
by constitutional amendment:
Same-sex marriage and civil unions prohibited
by constitutional amendment:
All types of same-sex unions prohibited
by constitutional amendment:
Recognition of same-sex unions undefined
by statute or constitutional amendment:
Notes

† California's laws on marriage are complicated: All out-of-state same-sex marriages are given the benefits of marriage under California law, although only those performed before November 5, 2008, are granted the designation "marriage". The constitutional ban on same-sex marriage remains in limbo following a federal case finding the ban unconstitutional, which is currently stayed pending a Supreme Court decision.

* 64 same-sex marriages were issued in 2004: one of these marriages was recognized as valid for the purposes of divorce in 2010. However this was a narrow ruling, and the recognition of the marriages is unknown elsewhere.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Public_opinion_of_same-sex_marriage_in_the_United_States&oldid=560329430"