Newsweek: A Gay Marriage Surge

Public support grows, according to the new NEWSWEEK Poll.
By Arian Campo-Flores | Newsweek Web Exclusive

When voters in California, Florida and Arizona approved measures banning same-sex marriage last month, opponents lamented that the country appeared to be turning increasingly intolerant toward gay and lesbian rights. But the latest NEWSWEEK Poll finds growing public support for gay marriage and civil unions—and strong backing for the granting of certain rights associated with marriage, to same-sex couples. (Full poll: When voters in California, Florida and Arizona approved measures banning same-sex marriage last month, opponents lamented that the country appeared to be turning increasingly intolerant toward gay and lesbian rights. But the latest NEWSWEEK Poll finds growing public support for gay marriage and civil unions—and strong backing for the granting of certain rights associated with marriage, to same-sex couples. (Full poll: http://www.newsweek.com/id/172404)

Americans continue to find civil unions for gays and lesbians more palatable than full-fledged marriage. Fifty-five percent of respondents favored legally sanctioned unions or partnerships, while only 39 percent supported marriage rights. Both figures are notably higher than in 2004, when 40 percent backed the former and 33 percent approved of the latter. When it comes to according legal rights in specific areas to gays, the public is even more supportive. Seventy-four percent back inheritance rights for gay domestic partners (compared to 60 percent in 2004), 73 percent approve of extending health insurance and other employee benefits to them (compared to 60 percent in 2004), 67 percent favor granting them Social Security benefits (compared to 55 percent in 2004) and 86 percent support hospital visitation rights (a question that wasn't asked four years ago). In other areas, too, respondents appeared increasingly tolerant. Fifty-three percent favor gay adoption rights (8 points more than in 2004), and 66 percent believe gays should be able to serve openly in the military (6 points more than in 2004).

Despite the recently approved state measures, public opinion nationally has shifted against a federal ban on same-sex marriage. In 2004, people were evenly divided on the question, with 47 percent favoring a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage and 45 percent opposing one. In the latest poll, however, 52 percent oppose a ban and only 43 percent favor one. When respondents were asked about state measures, the numbers were closer: 45 percent said they'd vote in favor of an amendment outlawing gay marriage in their states, while 49 percent said they'd oppose such a measure.

More: http://www.newsweek.com/id/172399

It would be important to know the reason why public opinion is shifting.

It is a good question why public opinion is shifting. I hope it continues. I proposed to my partner early this month. Our friends have asked when the wedding is and the answer has to be "When it's legal". We expect a few years at the very least, but the recent shift is encouraging.

and the naked ugliness of their message on the rw.

BTW- Congratulations on the engagement, I hope the marriage follows soon! :fistbump:

People, even people who don't pay much attention recognize it and everyone wants to be on the winning team and no one wants to be on the shark jumping team - it's just embarrassing. I'd like to say it's more profound than that, but I doubt it.

I know a lot of people are worried about (or hailing) "backlash" against the protests, but the reality is, Prop 8 woke up a number of people.

I know a lot of straight people that were really, REALLY angry that passed. And when I went to the local protest that was part of the nationwide protesting of the passage of anti-gay marriage bills across the country a few weeks back, there were as many straight people there as gay.

I think intelligent people and people of conscience are horrified that in this day and age, in this country, existing civil rights of a minority can be so easily voted away by a simple majority. I think it scares a lot of people.

I also think a lot of people were disgusted by the antics and the lies of the pro-8 side... especially bothered by seeing the full will of the Mormon Church brought to bear like that, imposing its religious views onto secular law.