Examine individual changes

'{{SSM}} There is much media coverage of and research on '''public opinion of same-sex marriage in the United States'''. Most polls since 2010 show majority support for legal recognition of [[same-sex marriage in the United States|same-sex marriage]]. Majority public support for same-sex marriage has solidified, and recent polls consistently indicate support above 50%.<ref>Same-Sex Marriage Support Solidifies Above 50% in U.S. http://www.gallup.com/poll/162398/sex-marriage-support-solidifies-above.aspx</ref> Support has increased steadily for more than a decade, with supporters first achieving a majority in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm |title=Polls: Same-Sex Marriage, Gay Rights |deadurl=no |accessdate=14 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/03/poll-gay-marriage-support_n_830858.html |title=Poll: Support For Gay Marriage Growing |deadurl=no |accessdate=14 July 2013 |work=Huffington Post |first=Emily |last=Swanson}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/weekinreview/22gay.html |work=The New York Times |first1=Andrew |last1=Gelman |first2=Jeffrey |last2=Lax |first3=Justin |last3=Phillips |title=Over Time, a Gay Marriage Groundswell |date=August 21, 2010 |deadurl=no |accessdate=14 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.people-press.org/2012/02/07/growing-public-support-for-same-sex-marriage/ |title=Growing Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage |deadurl=no |accessdate=14 July 2013}}</ref> An August 2010 [[CNN]] poll became the first national poll to show majority support for same-sex marriage,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/weekinreview/22gay.html|work=The New York Times|first1=Andrew|last1=Gelman|first2=Jeffrey|last2=Lax|first3=Justin|last3=Phillips|title=Over Time, a Gay Marriage Groundswell|date=August 21, 2010}}</ref> with nearly all subsequent polls showing majority support.<ref name="surveys1">{{cite web|url=http://surveys.ap.org/data/GfK/AP-GfK%20Poll%20August%20NCC%20topline.pdf|title=The AP-National Constitution Center Poll – Aug 11-16, 2010|format=PDF|date=August 2010|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref><ref name=Gallup2011>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/147662/First-Time-Majority-Americans-Favor-Legal-Gay-Marriage.aspx|title=For First Time, Majority of Americans Favor Legal Gay Marriage|publisher=Gallup.com|date=May 20, 2011|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref><ref name="abcnews1">{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/1121a6%20Gay%20Marriage.pdf|title=ABC News/Washington Post poll: same-sex marriage – March 18, 2011|format=PDF|date=March 2011|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref><ref name="turner1">{{cite web|url=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/04/19/rel6h.pdf|title=CNN Opinion Research – April 9-10, 2011|format=PDF|date=April 19, 2011|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> Support for same-sex marriage generally correlates with lack of [[Fundamentalism|religious fundamentalism]], young age,<ref>Jeffery R. Lax and Justin H. Phillips (2009). [http://www.columbia.edu/~jrl2124/Lax_Phillips_Gay_Policy_Responsiveness_2009.pdf Gay Rights in the States: Public Opinion and Policy Responsiveness]. ''[[Columbia University]]''.</ref> [[higher education]], and residence in the [[Northeastern United States|Northeast]], [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]]<ref name="gallup.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/128291/americans-opposition-gay-marriage-eases-slightly.aspx|title=Americans' Opposition to Gay Marriage Eases Slightly|publisher=Gallup.com|date=May 24, 2010|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> and some parts of the [[Midwest]]. Women are also more likely to be in support than men.<ref name=Gallup2011/> ==Polls== ===Polls in 2014=== ===Polls in 2013=== A Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company taken during September 20–23, 2013 found that 55% supported same-sex marriage, while 36% opposed and 9% unsure.<ref name="pollingreport.com">http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm</ref> A September Quinnipiac University poll found that 56% of American adults and 57% of registered voters supported same-sex marriage. Only 36% of both groups were opposed.<ref>[http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=1961 October 4, 2013 - U.S. Catholics Back Pope On Changing Church Focus, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Catholics Support Gay Marriage, Women Priests 2-1]</ref> A July 10–14 poll by Gallup found support for same-sex marriage at 54%, a record high, and double the support of 27% Gallup first measured when the question was asked in 1996.<ref>http://www.gallup.com/poll/163730/back-law-legalize-gay-marriage-states.aspx</ref> A July poll by ''USA Today'' found that 55% of Americans supported same-sex marriage while 40% did not.<ref>[http://www.edgeboston.com/news/national/news/146594/new_poll:_marriage_equality_support_at_record_high_in_wake_of_scotus_ruling New Poll: Marriage Equality Support at Record High in Wake of SCOTUS Ruling] retrieved 6 July 2013</ref> A May 9 ''Washington Post''-ABC News poll found that 55% of Americans supported same-sex marriage while 40% did not.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/09/abc-washington-post-gay-rights-poll-_n_3245068.html?ir=Gay+Voices Gay Rights Poll: ABC News, Washington Post Survey Finds Support For Same-Sex Marriage, Ending Boy Scout Ban] retrieved 30 May 2013</ref> A March 20–24 CBS News Poll found that 53% of Americans supported same-sex marriage, 39% opposed it, and 8% were undecided.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57576249/poll-53-of-americans-support-same-sex-marriage/ | work=CBS News | title=Poll: 53% of Americans support same-sex marriage}}</ref> The same poll also found that 33% of Americans who thought same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry said they once held the opposite view and had changed their opinion. A March 7–10 ''Washington Post''-ABC News<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/page/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/03/18/National-Politics/Polling/question_10009.xml?uuid=qPNlgI_1EeKRc3-Hzac7SQ|work=The Washington Post|title=Q: Do you think it should be legal or illegal for gay and lesbian couples to get married?|date=April 12, 2013}}</ref> poll found that 58% of Americans support same-sex marriage while 36% opposed. The poll indicated that 52% of GOP-leaning independents under 50 years old supported same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/03/18/gay-marriage-support-hits-new-high-in-post-abc-poll/|work=The Washington Post}}</ref> A March Quinnipiac University poll of voters found 47% supported same-sex marriage and 43% were opposed.<ref>[http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-centers/polling-institute/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=1863 National (US) Poll]</ref> ===Polls in 2012=== Public support in the United States for same-sex marriage solidified, as polls consistently showed that same-sex marriage enjoys majority support with increasing tendency. A November 26–29 Gallup poll found that 53% of Americans support same-sex marriage while 46% do not.<ref>[http://www.gallup.com/poll/159089/religion-major-factor-americans-opposed-sex-marriage.aspx Religion Big Factor for Americans Against Same-Sex Marriage] retrieved 7 December 2012</ref> A November 16–19 [[CBS News]] poll found that 51% of Americans support same-sex marriage while 40% do not.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57556481/poll-51-percent-support-same-sex-marriage/ Poll: 51 percent support same-sex marriage] retrieved 4 December 2012</ref> A November 7–11 [[ABC News]]/[[Washington Post]] poll found 51% of respondents support same-sex marriage while 47% are opposed.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/11/majority-supports-path-to-citizenship-greater-division-on-other-social-issues/ Majority Supports Path to Citizenship; Greater Division on Other Social Issues] retrieved 17-11-2012</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pruitt|first=Bill|title=Majority of Americans support legalizing same-sex marriage, poll shows|url=http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/majority-americans-support-legalizing-same-sex-marriage-poll-101314711.html|accessdate=6 June 2012|newspaper=yahoo.com|date=June 6, 2012}} archived here [http://www.webcitation.org/68Do37LGv]</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.outcomebuffalo.com/nbc-wsjpoll-equality-5-22-2012-0122201.html Americans increase support of marriage equality] retrieved 23 May 2012</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/after-president-obamas-announcement-opposition-to-gay-marriage-hits-record-low/2012/05/22/gIQAlAYRjU_story.html After President Obama’s announcement, Opposition to same-sex marriage hits record low] ''The Washington Post.'' Accessed May 23, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.langerresearch.com/uploads/1137a2GayMarriage.pdf Poll Report: Strong Support for Gay Marriage Now Exceeds Strong Opposition] Langer Research Association. ''langerresearch.com''. accessed May 23, 2012.</ref> 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,<ref name="The Huffington Post">{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/09/obama-gay-marriage_n_1503245.html|title=Obama Backs Gay Marriage|author=Sam Stein|date=May 9, 2012|work=The Huffington Post}}</ref> showed 51% of Americans agreed with the President's endorsement, while 45% disagreed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-05-11/USA-TODAYGallup-poll-Obama-gay-marriage/54905424/1|work=USA Today|title=Most Popular E-mail Newsletter|date=May 11, 2012}}</ref> A May 8 [[Gallup Poll]] showed plurality support for same-sex marriage nationwide, with 50% in favor and 48% opposed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/154529/Half-Americans-Support-Legal-Gay-Marriage.aspx|title=Half of Americans Support Legal Gay Marriage|date=May 8, 2012|accessdate=May 12, 2012}}</ref> An April [[Pew Research Center]] poll showed support for same-sex marriage at 48%, while opposition fell to 44%.<ref>[http://features.pewforum.org/same-sex-marriage-attitudes/index.php Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage]</ref> 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.<ref name="pollingreport.com"/> A March survey by the [[Public Religion Research Institute]] found 52% of Americans supported allowing same-sex couples to marry, while 44% opposed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publicreligion.org/newsroom/2012/03/march-rns-2012-news-release/|title=Survey &#124; Majority of Americans Do Not Believe Religious Liberty is Under Attack|publisher=Publicreligion.org|date=March 2012|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/A_Politics/_Today_Stories_Teases/12202_March_NBC_WSJ.pdf|title=Study #12202 NBC News/Wall Street Journal Survey|accessdate=28 August 2012}}</ref> ===Polls in 2011=== 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.<ref name="people-press1920">{{cite web|author=Publications|url=http://people-press.org/report/?pageid=1920|title=The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press: Attitudes Toward Social Issues – March 3, 2011|publisher=People-press.org|date=March 2011|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> In March and April, polls by [[Gallup Poll|Gallup]],<ref name="Gallup2011"/> [[ABC News]]/[[Washington Post]],<ref name="abcnews1"/> and [[CNN]]/Opinion Research<ref name="turner1"/> 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.<ref name="people-press1920"/> An April [[CNN]]/Opinion Research Poll showed majority support including 64% of Democrats and 55% of independents, but only 27% of Republicans.<ref name="turner1"/> In March 2011, Democracy Corps conducted a survey of 1,000 likely [[United States elections, 2012|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.democracycorps.com/wp-content/files/bg12110317fqPOLITICAL.pdf|title=Democracy Corps poll - March 2011|format=PDF|date=March 2011|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Gallup2011 /> ===Polls in 2010=== 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.<ref name="surveys1"/> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/08/11/rel11a.pdf|title=CNN Opinion Research – Aug 6-10, 2010|format=PDF|date=August 2010|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_021010.html ''Washington Post''-ABC News poll</ref><ref>http://www.gallup.com/poll/128291/americans-opposition-gay-marriage-eases-slightly.aspx Americans' Opposition to Gay Marriage Eases Slightly</ref> One August poll found majority opposition,<ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_National_813.pdf PPP Poll – August 13, 2010</ref><ref> 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</ref> and a November [[exit poll]] of 17,504 voters by CNN during the [[United States elections, 2010|2010 midterm elections]] found 53% opposition with 41% support.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2010/results/polls/#val=USH00p3|title=CNN 2010 Exit Polls|publisher=CNN.com|date=November 2010|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> ===Older polls (2009 and earlier)=== 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.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/images/PollingUnit/1089a6HotButtonIssues.pdf</ref> 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.<ref>[http://cbs5.com/national/gay.marriage.poll.2.996134.html ]{{dead link|date=March 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/118378/Majority-Americans-Continue-Oppose-Gay-Marriage.aspx|title=Majority of Americans Continue to Oppose Gay Marriage|publisher=Gallup.com|date=May 27, 2009|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref name=pollingreport>[http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm 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</ref> 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." {|class="wikitable" |- ! ! 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<ref name=pollreport>[http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm Law and Civil Rights], PollingReport.com. (Accessed January 05, 2012)</ref> 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." {|class="wikitable" |- ! ! Legal marriage ! Civil union ! No recognition ! Unsure |- |All political parties |33% |27% |35% |5% |- |&nbsp;&nbsp;Republicans |6% |34% |59% |1% |- |&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats |46% |23% |26% |5% |- |&nbsp;&nbsp;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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/04/two-national-polls-for-first-time-show.html|last=Silver |first=Nate |work=FiveThirtyEight |title=Two National Polls, for First Time, Show Plurality Support for Gay Marriage |date=April 30, 2009 |accessdate=2010-12-12}}</ref> A [[LifeWay Christian Resources|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.<ref>[http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=170445&rss=20100902 American 'Millennials' divided over same-sex marriage]{{dead link|date=March 2012}}</ref> In a poll conducted on July 17, 2008, by the [[Quinnipiac University Polling Institute]], with 55 percent opposed, and 36 percent in favor.<ref name="QuinnipiacJuly2008">{{cite web|author=Quinnipiac University - Office of Public Affairs|url=http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1295.xml?ReleaseID=1194|title=American Voters Oppose Same-Sex Marriage Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds, But They Don't Want Government To Ban It|publisher=Quinnipiac.edu|date=2008-07-17|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref>Buchanan, Wyatt, ''[http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635194021,00.html Resistance to same-sex marriage drops across U.S]'', ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', March 24, 2006. (Accessed July 5, 2006)</ref> 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.<ref name="QuinnipiacJuly2008"/><ref>{{cite web|author=(07/28/08)|url=http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/us_divided_on_homosexual_couples/|title=U.S. Divided on Homosexual Couples: Angus Reid Global Monitor|publisher=Angus-reid.com|date=2008-07-13|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|author=(12/13/08)|url=http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/americans_divided_on_same_sex_legal_rights/|title=Americans Divided on Same-Sex Legal Rights: Angus Reid Global Monitor|publisher=Angus-reid.com|date=2008-12-04|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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|date=June 2007}} 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. [[File:US opinion same sex marriage legality.svg|right|480px|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". {|class="wikitable" |- ! 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/general_current_events/traditional_views_of_marriage_tops_in_voters_minds|title=Traditional Views of Marriage Tops in Voters' Minds|accessdate=2008-06-02|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080406011755/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/general_current_events/traditional_views_of_marriage_tops_in_voters_minds <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archivedate=2008-04-06}}</ref> [[CBS News]] poll historical results<ref name="pollreport"/> 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."''' {|class="wikitable" |- ! ! 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: {|class="wikitable" |- ! Demographic ! Marriage ! Civil union ! No recognition |- | All | 33% | 27% | 25% |- | [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] | 6% | 34% | 59% |- | [[Democratic Party (United States)|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=== The [[Pew Research Center]]/Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey poll<ref name=pollreport/> asking: * '''"Do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally?"''' (Margin of error three percent) {|class="wikitable" |- ! Date ! Favor ! Oppose ! Unsure |- | April 4–15, 2012<ref name="pewreport426">{{cite web|url=http://features.pewforum.org/same-sex-marriage-attitudes/index.php|title=Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage|accessdate=2012-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://loyalopposition.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/26/support-for-same-sex-marriage-is-up/|title=Support for Same-Sex Marriage Is Up|date= 2012-04-26|accessdate=2012-12-05|work=The New York Times|first=Andrew|last=Rosenthal}}</ref> |47% |43% |10% |- | February 22–March 14, 2011<ref name="pewreport425">{{cite web|url=http://www.people-press.org/2011/03/03/section-3-attitudes-toward-social-issues/|title=Fewer Are Angry at Government, But Discontent Remains High|accessdate=2012-01-05}}</ref> |45% |46% |9% |- | July 21–August 5, 2010<ref name="pewreport425">{{cite web|url=http://www.people-press.org/2010/10/06/support-for-same-sex-marriage-edges-upward/|title=Support For Same-Sex Marriage Edges Upward|accessdate=2012-01-05}}</ref> |42% |48% |10% |- | July 9, 2009<ref name="pewreport425">{{cite web|url=http://pewforum.org/Gay-Marriage-and-Homosexuality/Public-Opinion-on-Gay-Marriage-Opponents-Consistently-Outnumber-Supporters.aspx#1|title=Public Opinion on Gay Marriage: Opponents Consistently Outnumber Supporters|accessdate=2012-01-05}}</ref> |37% |54% |9% |- | May 21–25, 2008<ref name="pewreport425">{{cite web|url=http://people-press.org/reports/questionnaires/425.pdf|title=MAY POLITICAL/BELIEVABILITY SURVEY|accessdate=2008-07-16|format=PDF}}</ref> |38% |49% |13% |- | August, 2007 |36% |55% |9% |- | March 8–12, 2006<ref name="pewreport273">{{cite web|url=http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=273|title=Less Opposition to Gay Marriage, Adoption and Military Service|accessdate=2007-09-21}}</ref> |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) {|class="wikitable" |- ! 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%.<ref name="pewreport273" /> 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.<ref name="pewreport425" /> ==="Bradley Effect"=== Commentators have noted instances where polling data has understated voter opposition to referendums banning same-sex marriage;<ref name="governing.com">{{cite web|last=Goodman|first=Josh|url=http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/In-Maine-Will-the.html|title=In Maine, Will the Polls on Gay Marriage Be Wrong Again?|publisher=Governing.com|date=2009-10-27|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref name="governing.com"/> In 2010, a [http://www.haasjr.org/sites/default/files/Marriage%20Polling.pdf study] by an [http://politics.as.nyu.edu/object/PatrickEgan 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== 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, was declared unconstitutional by two federal courts,<ref>{{cite news|author=Robert Barnes|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/calif-same-sex-marriage-ban-ruled-unconstitutional/2012/02/07/gIQAMNwkwQ_story.html?tid=pm_pop|title=California Proposition 8 same-sex-marriage ban ruled unconstitutional|publisher=The Washington Post|date=2011-05-20|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> and ceased effect on June 28, 2013 after the Supreme Court ruled that the appellants lacked standing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Same-sex marriages resume in Calif.: San Francisco plaintiffs in Prop. 8 ruling are first couple to wed after appellate action. |last1=Winter |first1=Michael |url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/06/28/california-gay-marriage/2474109/ |newspaper=USA Today |date=June 28, 2013 |accessdate=June 28, 2013}}</ref> Polling in 2012 shows 59% of California voters approve of same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news|author=Joe Garofoli|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/29/MNGN1NDIRP.DTL|title=Same-sex marriage poll finds majority approve|publisher=Sfgate.com|date=2012-02-29|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> After President Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage on May 9, 2012, among cultural groups, 59 percent of African-Americans in some surveys taken at the time expressed support – up from 41 percent in combined ABC/Post polls from Spring 2012 and the summer of 2011. Likewise, 65 percent supported Obama's new position on the issue. These levels of support, however, have subsided since then.<ref name="Growing Support">{{cite web |url=http://www.people-press.org/files/legacy-pdf/3-20-13%20Gay%20Marriage%20Release.pdf |publisher=Pew Research |format=pdf |title=Growing Support for Gay Marriage: Changed Minds and Changing Demographics |deadurl=no |accessdate=14 July 2013}}</ref> The [[NAACP]] announced its formal support shortly after President Obama's endorsement. Fewer whites, 46 percent, approved of Obama’s announcement, and 50 percent supported same-sex marriage – numerically (albeit not statistically significant) the fewest since 2010.<ref name="postobama">{{cite web|url=http://atlantablackstar.com/2012/05/24/new-poll-shows-dramatic-shifts-in-public-opinion-of-gay-marriage-post-obama-announcement/|title=New Poll Shows Dramatic Shifts in Public Opinion of Gay Marriage Post-Obama Announcement|publisher=Atlanta Blackstar|accessdate=May 31, 2012}}</ref> In 2013, polling data provided by Pew signifies at least a few trends. Firstly, there is clearly a generational divide on the issue. 70% of Millennials (those born after 1980) support same-sex marriage. This contrasts with Gen X and Baby Boomer respondents. 49% of Gen X respondents (born 1965-1980) support same-sex marriage, while 38% of Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) support same-sex marriage. Contrasting levels of support are also apparent when considering political ideology, with those who are liberal or lean liberal expressing more support for same sex marriage than those who are conservative or lean conservative.<ref name="Growing Support"/> Concerning religion, a majority of Catholics (both white and Hispanic) support same-sex marriage, as do a majority of those who are Jewish or religiously unaffiliated. Broadly, Protestant support for same sex marriage is at 34%. Amongst Protestants, however, support varies. 19% of white evangelicals support same-sex marriage, while 52% of white mainline Protestants support same-sex marriage. 35% of black Protestants support same-sex marriage.<ref name="Growing Support"/> Support for same sex-marriage is higher amongst women than it is men. Support for same-sex marriage appears to be identical amongst whites and Hispanics, while there is less support amongst blacks.<ref name="Growing Support"/> Differing support levels are also apparent between polls. Washington Post/ ABC News, which asks whether or not same sex marriage should be legal or illegal, shows that 58% of Americans think same-sex marriage should be legal.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/polling/march-2013-postabc-poll-samesex-marriage/2013/03/26/aeb55690-8ff5-11e2-9173-7f87cda73b49_page.html/|title= March 2013 Post-ABC poll - Same-sex marriage|publisher=Washington Post|accessdate=June 6, 2013|date=April 12, 2013}}</ref> However Pew, which was asks whether or not respondents support or oppose same-sex marriage, shows that support for same-sex marriage is 49%.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.people-press.org/2013/03/20/growing-support-for-gay-marriage-changed-minds-and-changing-demographics//|title= Growing Support for Gay Marriage: Changed Minds and Changing Demographics|publisher=Pew Research |accessdate=June 6, 2013}}</ref> The Pew poll asks respondents to indicate their support or opposition to same-sex marriage, whereas the Washington Post/ ABC News poll asks respondents whether or not same-sex marriage should be legal. Nevertheless, both polls illustrate a similar trend that indicates support for same-sex marriage is increasing, and both clearly demonstrate a generational divide on the issue. Indeed, the Washington Post in 2013 reports, “In the Pew Research Center poll conducted early last month, 72 percent called same-sex marriage inevitable.”<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/poll-3-in-4-americans-say-same-sex-marriage-is-inevitable/2013/06/06/9e921da6-cea8-11e2-8845-d970ccb04497_story.html/|title=Poll: Three in four Americans say legalization of same-sex marriage is inevitable|publisher=Washington Post|accessdate=June 6, 2013|first=Carol|last=Morello|date=June 6, 2013}}</ref> ==Demographical differences== ===By age=== {|class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! Age ! colspan="2"|% of U.S. population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| 18–29 years old<ref name="Inevitable">{{cite web |url=http://www.people-press.org/2013/06/06/in-gay-marriage-debate-both-supporters-and-opponents-see-legal-recognition-as-inevitable/ |title=In Gay Marriage Debate, Both Supporters and Opponents See Legal Recognition as 'Inevitable' |deadurl=no |accessdate=14 July 2013}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|65||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| 30–49 years old<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|54||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| 50–64 years old<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|45||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| 65+ years old<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|39||2||background:grey}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| '''All Adults'''<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}}'' |- |} 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|date=March 2011}} 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.<ref name="columbia.edu">Lax and Phillips, [http://www.columbia.edu/~jrl2124/Lax_Phillips_Gay_Policy_Responsiveness_2009.pdf "Gay Rights in the States: Public Opinion and Policy Responsiveness", August 2009]</ref> 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 (sociology)|"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.<ref name="columbia.edu"/> 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%.<ref>[http://features.pewforum.org/gay-marriage-attitudes/ Ten Years of Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage], The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life</ref> ===By education=== {|class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! Education ! colspan="2"|% of U.S. population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| College Grad and Above<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|62||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| Some College<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| High School or less<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|43||2||background:grey}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| '''All Adults'''<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}}'' |- |} ===By ethnicity=== {|class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! Ethnicity ! colspan="2"|% of U.S. population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Latino Americans]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|60||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[White Americans]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Black Americans]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|39||2||background:pink}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| '''All Adults'''<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}}'' |- |} ===By household income=== {|class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! Household Income ! colspan="2"|% of U.S. population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| $100K+<ref name="Growing Support"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|58||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| $75K-$99K<ref name="Growing Support"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|54||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| $50K-$75K<ref name="Growing Support"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| $30K-$50K<ref name="Growing Support"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|45||2||background:grey}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| <$30K<ref name="Growing Support"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|45||2||background:grey}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| '''All Adults'''<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}}'' |- |} ===By Political Party=== {|class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! Political Party ! colspan="2"|% of U.S. population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| Democratic<ref name="Legal Recognition">{{cite web |url=http://www.people-press.org/files/legacy-pdf/06-06-13%20LGBT%20General%20Public%20Release.pdf |format=pdf |title=In Gay Marriage Debate, Both Supporters and Opponents See Legal Recognition as ‘Inevitable’ |deadurl=no |accessdate=14 July 2013}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|59||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| Independent<ref name="Legal Recognition"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|58||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| Republican<ref name="Growing Support"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|31||2||background:pink}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| '''All Adults'''<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}}'' |- |} ===By religion=== {|class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! Religion ! colspan="2"|% of U.S. population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Jewish]]<ref name="Growing Support"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|76||2||background:darkblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Irreligion|Unaffiliated]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|71||2||background:darkblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Catholic]]<ref name="Legal Recognition"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|61||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Protestant]]<ref name="Legal Recognition"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|37||2||background:pink}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| '''All Adults'''<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}}'' |- |} ===By region=== {|class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! Region ! colspan="2"|% of U.S. population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Northeastern United States|Northeast]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|64||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Western United States|West]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|53||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|53||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Southern United States|South]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|43||2||background:grey}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| '''All Adults'''<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}}'' |- |} ===By sex=== {|class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! Sex ! colspan="2"|% of U.S. population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Female]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|56||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Male]]<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|46||2||background:grey}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| '''All Adults'''<ref name="Inevitable"/> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:lightblue}}'' |- |} ===By state=== <!-- Colors are matched with those in the map image.--> [[File:Public opinion of same-sex marriage in USA by state.png|thumb||400px| {{legend|#00008b|Recent polls that show a majority of that state's population supports same-sex marriage.}} {{legend|#318ce7|Recent polls that show a plurality of that state's population supports same-sex marriage.}} {{legend|#E4717A|Recent polls that show a plurality of that state's population opposes same-sex marriage.}} {{legend|#ff0000|Recent polls that show a majority of that state's population opposes same-sex marriage.}} {{legend|#DCDCDC|No recent poll data.}}]] {|class="wikitable sortable" font-size:80%;" |+style="font-size:100%" | Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. |- ! US states ! colspan="2"|% of state population |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Vermont]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Recent Poll Shows Vermonters Support Same Sex Marriage|url=http://www.castleton.edu/news/index.php/marriage-poll/|publisher=Castleton|accessdate=2013-06-26}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|66||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[New Jersey]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Voters approve of gay marriage decision|url=http://publicmind.fdu.edu/2013/sengovoct/|publisher=FDU|accessdate=2013-10-08}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|62||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Rhode Island]]<ref>[http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2013/02/taubman Poll: R.I. supports same-sex marriage]</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|60||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Massachusetts]]<ref>{{cite web|title=MA Misc.|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2013/PPP_Release_MA_926.pdf|work=9/26/2013|publisher=Public Policy Polling}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|60||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[New Hampshire]]<ref>[http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2014/PPP_Release_NH_115.pdf Shaheen, Hassan lead opponents]</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|60||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[New York]]<ref>{{cite web|title=New York Poll|url=http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-centers/polling-institute/search-releases/search-results/release-detail?What=&strArea=2;&strTime=28&ReleaseID=1825#Question015|publisher=Quinnipiac Universiy Polling|accessdate=2012-12-13}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|60||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[California]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Poll|url=http://www.salon.com/2013/06/10/poll_shows_across_the_board_support_for_gay_marriage_in_california/singleton/|publisher=Salon|accessdate=2013-06-30}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|58||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Nevada]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Nevada Poll|url=http://www.rannv.org/documents/23/TOPLINEwithHISTORICDATA-NevadaVotersSept2013andFeb2013.pdf|publisher=RAN|accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|57||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Michigan]]<ref>[http://www.freep.com/article/20130519/COL04/305190072/Brian-Dickerson-same-sex-marriage-Michigan-politics-Republican-Party Same-sex marriage: A no-brainer for Michigan | Brian Dickerson]</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|57||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Majorities polled in D.C. back gay marriage, medical marijuana|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/06/AR2010020602300.html|work=The Washington Post|accessdate=2/7/2010|first1=Tim|last1=Craig|first2=Jennifer|last2=Agiesta|date=2010-02-07}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|56||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Pennsylvania]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Franklin & Marshall College Poll|url=http://www.fandm.edu/uploads/media_items/january-2014-franklin-marshall-college-poll-release.original.pdf|publisher=Franklin & Marshall|accessdate=1/30/2014}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|56||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Connecticut]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Malloy sinks, Lieberman rises in Connecticut|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/08/malloy-sinks-lieberman-rises-in-connecticut.html|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=2012-08-02}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|55||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Arizona]]<ref>[http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/poll-majority-in-arizona-backs-gay-marriage Poll: Majority In Arizona Backs Gay Marriage]</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|55||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Washington (state)|Washington]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Survey|url=http://www.strategies360.com/client/12-165%20OctWAToplines.pdf|publisher=Strategies360|accessdate=2012-10-28}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|55||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Oregon]]<ref>{{cite web|title=An incredible day for freedom to marry in Oregon|url=http://www.oregonunitedformarriage.org/incredibledayformarriage/|publisher=Oregon United For Marriage|accessdate=2/20/2014}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|55||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Virginia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/VAPolls/VA130917/Complete%20September%202013%20Virginia_NBC4_NBC%20%20News_Marist%20Poll%20Tables.pdf#page=21}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|55||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Delaware]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Majority of Delaware voters back same sex marriage|url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/03/04/poll-indicates-majority-of-delaware-voters-back-gay-marriage/|publisher=The Washington Blade|accessdate=2013-03-4}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|54||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Hawaii]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Poll: Hawaii Voters Support Allowing Gay Couples To Marry|url=http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/support-for-marriage-equality-in-hawaii-continues-to-grow|publisher=Human Rights Campaign|accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|54||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Maine]]<ref>{{cite web|title=ME misc.|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2013/PPP_Release_ME_111313.pdf|publisher=Public policy polling|accessdate=2013-11-13}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|54||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Colorado]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Colorado Misc.|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/04/colorado-miscellany.html|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=2012-04-13}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|53||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Wisconsin]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Poll: 53% of Wisconsinites support same-sex marriage|url=http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2013/oct/30/poll-53-of-wisconsinites-support-same-sex-marriage/|work=WTAQ|publisher=WTAQ|accessdate=2013-11-09}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|53||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Maryland]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Same-sex marriage favored by Maryland likely voters|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/polling/samesex-marriage-favored-maryland-likely-voters/2012/10/18/913e11fa-1918-11e2-ad4a-e5a958b60a1e_page.html|work=The Washington Post|accessdate=2012-10-19}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|52||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Illinois]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Illinois' voters support marriage equality|url=http://eqil.org/cmsdocuments/EQIL_POLL_SUMMARY.pdf|publisher=Equality Illinois|accessdate=2013-10-21}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|52||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Minnesota]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Results of SurveyUSA News Poll #20460|url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=df84ac43-e970-4aaf-9088-4f0ea30cdd70|publisher=Survey USA|date=2013-4-22|accessdate=2013-04-21}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[New Mexico]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Majority support for gay marriage in New Mexico|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=16575&MediaType=1&Category=26|publisher=OnTop Magazine|accessdate=2013-10-02}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|51||2||background:blue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Ohio]]<ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/ohio/release-detail?ReleaseID=2011</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|50||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Indiana]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Opposition to Indiana's Proposed gay marriage ban decreases 4 points|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=16983&MediaType=1&Category=26|publisher=OnTop|accessdate=2013-11-15}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|48||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Alaska]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2014/PPP_Release_AK_205.pdf |title=Palin trails Clinton in Alaska; State Supports Gay Marriage For First Time |format=PDF |date=February 5, 2014 |accessdate=February 5, 2014}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|47||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Florida]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Fla. Misc|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2014/PPP_Release_FL_122.pdf|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=1/23/2014}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|47||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Iowa]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Branstad, Braley lead in Iowa|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_Iowa_710.pdf|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=2013-07-10}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|47||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Montana]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Poll Results|url=http://www.kulr8.com/story/23784464/msub-poll-surprising-results|publisher=MSUB Polling|accessdate=2013-10-24}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|47||2||background:lightblue}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Kansas]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Kansas Misc.|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2014/02/kansas-miscellany.html|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=2/24/2014}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|44||2||background:pink}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[North Carolina]]<ref>[http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/67644 Elon Poll: N.C. residents oppose several legislative proposals]</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|43||2||background:pink}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[South Carolina]]<ref>[http://www.winthrop.edu/winthroppoll/default.aspx?id=9804 October 2013 Winthrop Poll, question T45]</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|39||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Missouri]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Missouri Results|url=http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/104208502|publisher=Travis|accessdate=2012-08-24}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|38||2||background:pink}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Arkansas]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=15774&MediaType=1&Category=26 |publisher=On Top Magazine |title=2016 Initiative Seeks To Legalize Gay Marriage In Arkansas |deadurl=no |accessdate=2013-07-14}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|38||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Utah]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Poll: Poll: Majority of Utahns against same-sex marriage and say states have the right to decide|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865594458/Poll-Majority-of-Utahns-against-same-sex-marriage-and-say-states-have-the-right-to-decide.html|publisher=Deseret News|accessdate=2014-01-18}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|36||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Kentucky]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Poll Report|url=http://media.graytvinc.com/documents/Complete+February+7+Bluegrass+Poll+Results.pdf|publisher=Bluegrass|accessdate=1/8/2014}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|35||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Texas]]<ref>{{cite web | title=Cornyn favored for reelection despite low approval|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_TX_703.pdf | publisher=Public Policy Polling |date=July 3, 2013 | accessdate=2013-07-03}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|34||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Nebraska]]<ref>[http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=13165&MediaType=1&Category=26# Support For Gay Marriage In Nebraska Increases]</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|32||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Wyoming]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Bipartisan Background Check Support Even in Wyoming|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WY_724.pdf|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|32||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Tennessee]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Vanderbilt poll finds growing support for same-sex marriage|url=http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130521/NEWS/305220071/Vanderbilt-poll-finds-growing-support-same-sex-marriage|publisher=The Tennessean|accessdate=2013-05-21}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|32||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Georgia Misc.|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_GA_080813.pdf|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=2013-08-08}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|32||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Louisiana]]<ref>[http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2013/08/in-louisiana-clinton-keeps-up-governor-falls.html In Louisiana, Clinton Keeps Up, Governor Falls]</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|28||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[West Virginia]]<ref>{{cite web|title=WV Misc.|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2013/PPP_Release_WV_925.pdf|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=2013-09-24}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|23||2||background:red}} |- | style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| [[Mississippi]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Mississippi Misc.|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2013/PPP_Release_MS_1120.pdf|publisher=Public Policy Polling|accessdate=2013-11-20}}</ref> |align=right| '''{{bartable|22||2||background:red}} |- |} 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.<ref>[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090921/NEWS10/909210321/1001/NEWS "Iowa Poll: Iowans evenly divided on gay marriage ban"], September 21, 2009, ''Des Moines Register''</ref> Polling prior to the state supreme court decision legalizing same sex marriage place support in the high thirties or low forties.<ref>[http://www.news-releases.uiowa.edu/2009/april/040309same_sex_poll.html "Hawkeye Poll: Majority of Iowans support recognition of same-sex relationships"], April 3, 2009, University of Iowa News Service</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.uiowa.edu/~c030111/hawkeyepoll-gaymarriage.pdf Hawkeye Poll - Gay Marriage], April 2, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite press release|last=Schneider|first=Bill|url=http://www.thirdway.org/press/release/30|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080515223750/http://thirdway.org/press/release/30|archivedate=May 15, 2008|title=Post-Election Poll Shows Progress On Gay And Lesbian Issues|publisher=Third Way|date=May 15, 2008|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/us/politics/06marriage.html "Bans in 3 States on Gay Marriage"], November 5, 2008, ''The New York Times''</ref> However, several states are now considering reversing bans that have recently been enacted.<ref>[http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/column/article_b2318c98-85be-57f2-a96b-807580a7eb3e.html "Setback for gay rights in Maine, but hope elsewhere"], November 15, 2009, ''The Cap Times''</ref> [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.|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."<ref>{{cite web|author=Eve Conant|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/06/21/huntsman-s-gay-rights-shakeup.html|title=Jon Huntsman for President 2012: Candidate's Gay-Rights Shakeup|work=The Daily Beast|date=2011-06-21|accessdate=2012-03-15}}</ref> 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.<ref name="columbia.edu"/> 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== {{portal|LGBT|United States}} * [[LGBT rights in the United States]] * [[List of supporters of same-sex marriage in the United States]] * [[List of opponents of same-sex marriage in the United States]] * [[Societal attitudes toward homosexuality]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} {{Same-sex unions in the United States}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Public Opinion Of Same-Sex Marriage In The United States}} [[Category:Same-sex marriage in the United States]]'