A new Washington
Post/ABC News poll shows support for gay marriage has slipped
slightly.
The survey, released Thursday, reported
a 2% drop in support nationwide.
When asked, “Do you think it should
be legal or illegal for gay and lesbian couples to get married?”
47% percent of respondents answered “legal.” But the same
question faired better 10 months ago when 49% agreed it should be
legal.
And for the first time since 2004, the
number of people who believe it should be illegal for gay couples to
marry has increased. Sixty-two percent of respondents agreed it
should be illegal in 2004. That number steadily decreased to 46%
last year. But this week's survey showed a four point increase.
The good news, however, is a large
number of Americans believe gay couples deserve to have their
relationship legally recognized.
Sixty-six percent of respondents said
gay and lesbian couples “should be allowed to form legally
recognized civil unions, giving them the legal rights of married
couples in areas such as health insurance, inheritance and pension
coverage.” In 2003, the first year the question was asked, only
40% of respondents agree and 51% disagreed.
Support for gay marriage is highest
among 18 to 29 year-olds. A large majority (65%) of young adults
believe gay marriage should be legal, while a large majority (65%) of
seniors over 65-years-old disagree.