A survey finds majority support for gay
marriage in New Jersey and proponents leading in Illinois.
The Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey
released Wednesday found 53 percent of voters in New Jersey favor
legalizing gay nuptials, while 36 percent remain opposed. Illinois
voters believe gay couples should be permitted to marry by a 47 - 42
margin.
More New Jersey Democrats (74%) than
Republicans (65%) believe voters should be able to decide the issue.
In vetoing a marriage equality law approved by lawmakers, Republican
Governor Chris Christie said he wanted to put the question up to a
popular vote.
And a larger number of Republicans
(21%) approve of gay nuptials than Democrats (19%) who oppose it.
African-American voters in Illinois
approve of such unions by a wider margin than nationally. Six in ten
black voters support legalizing marriage equality, while 16 percent
disagree.
Lawmakers in Illinois approved civil
unions for gay couples in 2010. Legislation legalizing marriage was
introduced in the House in February and could come up for debate as
early as next month.
(Source: Public
Policy Polling.)