As Illinois House lawmakers prepare to
debate a gay marriage bill, a new poll shows support at an all-time
high.
According to a Crain's
Chicago Business/Ipsos
Illinois Poll released Tuesday, most Illinois residents favor
passage of the proposed legislation.
Of the 600 adults surveyed, 50 percent
said they support the marriage equality bill, while 29 percent said
they remain oppose. Another twenty percent said they did not know or
had mixed feelings on the subject.
Support is strongest in Chicago, with
56 percent in favor. A majority (52%) of suburban residents also
approve. But only 48 percent of those living outside the Chicago
metropolitan area support the measure's passage.
A majority (51%) of those opposed cited
religious beliefs for opposing marriage equality.
Over the past two-and-a-half years,
support has increased from 34 percent in 2010 to 44 percent in
September of last year, according to polls by Southern Illinois
University's Simon Public Policy Institute.
The measure cleared the Senate last
Thursday, Valentine's Day. And House lawmakers are expected to begin
debate on Wednesday.
(Related: Illinois
House could vote on gay marriage bill this week.)