Post by tgrwulf on May 20, 2011 16:00:27 GMT -5
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43110820
More than half of Americans say same-sex marriage should be legal, garnering the same rights as traditional marriages, according to a newly released Gallup poll showing for the first time since Gallup began tracking the issue in 1996 support by a majority of Americans.
The increase since last year — when 44 percent versus this year's 53 percent supported legalizing same-sex marriages — came exclusively among political independents and Democrats. Views of Republicans didn't change from last year, with 28 percent supporting gay marriage both years.
The increase since last year — when 44 percent versus this year's 53 percent supported legalizing same-sex marriages — came exclusively among political independents and Democrats. Views of Republicans didn't change from last year, with 28 percent supporting gay marriage both years.
This year's 9-point increase in support for same-sex marriage is the largest year-to-year shift yet measured over this time period. For instance, two-thirds of Americans were opposed to legalized same-sex marriage in 1996, with 27 percent in favor. By 2004, support had risen to 42 percent and, despite some fluctuations from year to year, stayed around that level of support through last year.
The younger age groups showed the most support for legal gay marriage, with 70 percent the 18- to 34-year-olds indicating support, compared with 39 percent of those 55 and older.
The younger age groups showed the most support for legal gay marriage, with 70 percent the 18- to 34-year-olds indicating support, compared with 39 percent of those 55 and older.
