More Ohioans oppose the legalization of
gay marriage than support it, a new poll has found.
A Quinnipiac
University survey of 1,165 registered voters released on
Wednesday found that 45 percent of respondents support marriage
equality, while 47 remain opposed. Nine percent refused to answer.
Opposition is highest among Republicans
(70%). Independents appear divided, with 47 percent opposed and 42
percent in favor. A large majority of Democrats (64%) said they
support such unions.
The poll also found a majority of
African-Americans (55%) in favor of marriage equality. Thirty-six
percent said they were opposed.
The survey runs counter to an October
poll conducted by The Washington Post which found a
slim majority of Ohioans (52%) in support of gay nuptials, with
only 37 percent opposed.
Marriage equality supporters earlier
this year began an effort to repeal Ohio's 2004 voter-approved
constitutional amendment limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.
The group Freedom to Marry Ohio is collecting signatures to put the
question on next year's ballot.
(Related: Ohio
gay marriage foes organize to defend ban.)