Support for Question 6, the Maryland
referendum on upholding a gay marriage law approved by lawmakers,
holds a 10-point lead, according to a survey released over the
weekend.
The survey of 804 likely voters was
conducted by the Baltimore Sun between September 25 and 27.
Forty-nine percent of respondents said
they support legalizing gay nuptials, while 39 percent said they were
opposed.
Support among African-Americans, a key
voting demographic in the state, has surged in recent months.
In March, an OpinionWorks poll found
greater opposition to marriage equality among blacks than support,
with 43 percent opposed and 40 percent in favor.
The new poll finds support among blacks
at record highs, above 50 percent, and opposition at record lows,
less than a quarter.
President Barack Obama's May
announcement in support of marriage equality – which led to the
NAACP's endorsement – is believed to be behind the surge in support
from the black community. Other high-profile African-American
endorsements include the Rev.
Al Sharpton and Baltimore
Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo.
“They pay taxes like anybody else,”
said
Delores N. Jenkins, an 81-year-old Baltimore resident. “They
should have the right to pick their own partners. No one should tell
them who they should or shouldn't be with.”