According to a recent AP-GfK poll, a
majority of Americans say religious liberties should take precedence
over gay rights.
The online poll of 1,004 adults was
conducted July 9-13, less than 3 weeks after the Supreme Court struck
down gay marriage bans in all 50 states.
The poll found that 49 percent of
respondents believe that local officials who oppose marriage equality
based on their religious beliefs should not be forced to issue
marriage licenses to gay couples. Forty-seven percent disagree, the
AP reported.
A majority (56%) also said that
protecting religious liberty should trump gay rights.
Pollsters also found 42 percent support
for marriage equality and 40 percent opposition. Moreover, 41
percent said that they disapprove of the Supreme Court's ruling, with
30 percent in favor.
A majority (82%) of Republicans said
that religious liberties should win out over gay rights when there's
a conflict, while a majority (64%) of Democrats said the opposite.