A new CBS News/New York Times
poll finds 42% of Americans now approve of gay marriage, a dramatic
nine point increase in a single month.
Respondents now support legally
recognizing unions – either marriage, civil unions or domestic
partnerships – for gay and lesbian couples by a large majority
(67%).
The number of respondents who said gay
couples deserve no legal recognition has shrunk to an all-time low of
28%.
The poll was conducted during the week
of April 22-26 and included a random sample of 973 adults nationwide.
In New Hampshire, where the Legislature
has just passed a gay marriage bill, a poll commissioned by the New
Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition, found a majority (55%) of
respondents approve of gay marriage.
The new polls caps off a very good
month for gay marriage supporters who saw its legalization in two
states – Iowa and Vermont – introduction in New York by Governor
David Paterson and passage by the New Hampshire Legislature. The
District of Columbia also approved a measure that recognizes legal
gay marriages performed elsewhere.