A majority of voters in Pennsylvania
support the legalization of gay marriage.
According to the Franklin
and Marshall Poll released Thursday, 52 percent of Pennsylvania
voters support marriage equality, while 41 percent remain opposed.
Thirty-six percent said they favor such
unions “strongly,” and 16 percent said they “somewhat” favor
it. Seven percent are “somewhat” opposed, and 34 percent
“strongly” oppose it.
Support has increased 19 percent since
2006, the last time the Franklin and Marshall Poll asked the
question. Opposition has also decreased 19 percent. Those who say
they “strongly” oppose it has dropped from 50 to 34 percent.
It is the first poll to find majority
support for gay nuptials in Pennsylvania.
A Quinnipiac poll released last week
showed a plurality of voters in favor of marriage equality 47 to 43
percent.
The results come as state lawmakers
prepare to debate whether to approve a constitutional amendment which
seeks to limit marriage in the state to heterosexual couples.
(Related: Pennsylvania's
Daryl Metcalfe to reintroduce gay marriage ban.)