Gallup: Opposition to gay marriage eases

[WillParkinson]

Gallup: Opposition to gay marriage eases
Jennifer Vanasco
By Jennifer Vanasco, editor in chief, 365gay.com
05.24.2010 10:30am EDT

Opposition to gay marriage has returned to 2007 levels, according to an annual Gallup Poll on American beliefs.

Gallup says that 53 percent of Americans are against gay marriage; 44 percent are in favor. Last year, 57 percent were against and 40 percent were in favor. In 2007, though, 53 percent were against and 46 percent of Americans were in favor of gay marriage.

53 percent is the lowest rate of opposition that Gallup has recorded. When Gallup first asked this question in 1996, 68 of Americans were opposed and 27 in favor.

Liberals are most supportive: 70 percent of them support gay marriage, compared to 25 percent of conservatives.

Says Gallup:

Over time, Americans have become more accepting of legal same-sex marriage, and a growing number of subgroups now show majority support for it. However, religious and conservative segments of the U.S. population remain largely opposed — even though their support for gay marriage has also increased in recent years. Because religious and conservative groups are larger than nonreligious and left-leaning groups in the United States, overall, more Americans remain opposed to, rather than in favor of, same-sex marriage.

Gay marriage is legal in the District of Columbia and five states: Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Iowa.

http://www.365gay.com/news/gallup-opposition-to-gay-marriage-eases/

[sharp_stick]

1. Perhaps its my family or circle of friends

but as a straight guy I'm absolutely astounded when I come across people that are opposed to gay marriage.

I honestly have no idea why people give a shit what two other people want to do with their lives.

[ShadowLiberal]

7. I know what you mean

I know what you mean about not knowing why people who are against gay marriage feel so strongly about it, it's really just an age thing, and how religious you are based on my experience.

Age and how religious someone is definitely reflect the gay marriage split in my family, my parents oppose it (they're in their 50's), my older brother is a pastor, so naturally he's very religious, and he opposes it (he's just under 30). On the other hand me and my younger brother (24 and 19) are both strong supporters of gay marriage who see nothing wrong it.

[Teka]

2. How can anyone call themselves LIBERAL and oppose Gay Marriage??

[joeybee12]

3. Yeah, WTF with those 30%???? nt

[IrishEyes]

4. Gay Marriage

I'm a straight woman so gay marriage doesn't effect me personally but it always amazes me that some people are against it. Not only is it morally right to allow people to marry but it also boasts the economy of any state or country that legalizes it. I hope more people come to their senses.

[joeybee12]

5. Welcome!

:toast:

[tbyg52]

6. Why anyone should oppose (except because of their own little phsycological problems) is beyond me.

:hi: