A new poll released Thursday found
record high support for marriage equality.
According to the Washington Post/ABC
News telephone poll of 1,016 adults conducted April 16-20, 61 percent
of Americans support allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry, while
35 percent remain opposed.
Support is highest among adults under
age 30, 78 percent of whom support such unions. Support among
Americans 65 and over has increased from 18 percent in 2005 to 46
today, pollsters
reported.
Republicans remains opposed, with 6 in
10 supporting state bans.
Gay couples can marry in 36 states,
plus the District of Columbia. Contradictory rulings in Alabama have
put same-sex wedding plans on hold in that state.
A large majority of respondents (61%)
also oppose state bans, and 62 percent say states should recognize
the out-of-state marriages of gay couples.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear
arguments in a case challenging restrictive marriage bans in four
states – Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. A ruling is
expected in June.