A Washington Post-ABC News poll
released Wednesday found a record-high 59 percent of Americans
support gay marriage.
According
to the survey, 34 percent of Americans remain opposed to allowing
gay couples to marry.
Most polls over the last year have
recorded support somewhere between 53 and 58 percent support.
Today's poll also found that half of
Americans say the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection
gives gay men and lesbians the right to marry, while 41 percent
disagree.
In states where it is not legal for gay
couples to marry, 53 percent of respondents support such unions,
while 40 percent remain opposed.
A large majority, nearly 7 out of 10,
say businesses should not be allowed to refuse service to gay people
based on their religious beliefs.
Lawmakers in at least 8 states have
considered such proposals. Last week, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer
vetoed a religious conscience bill after a loud outcry from corporate
leaders, politicians and activists.
According to a separate poll, 72
percent of Arizonans agree with her decision.
(Related: 66%
of Arizonans oppose SB1062; Nearly half support gay marriage.)