A survey for a Washington state group that opposes gay marriage has found increasing support for the union.

The Faith and Freedom Network's poll found less than half (48%) of the 408 registered voters contacted by Elway Research answered “no” when asked, “Do you support legalizing homosexual marriage in Washington state?” Forty-four percent answered “yes.”

According to the Seattle Times, it is the first poll by the state's most visible opponent of gay rights in which opposition to gay marriage has dipped below 50 percent.

Gary Randall, president of the Faith and Freedom, dismissed the slight decrease in opposition indicated in the poll.

“There's a constant erosion of traditional principles and values by education and the media,” he told the paper. “Kids are being indoctrinated in school and bullied into accepting homosexuality.”

Supporters of marriage equality called the poll a major turning point.

“For the first time, polls in Washington are showing a majority support for marriage equality, and even the opposition can't muster a poll that shows they have a majority,” said Josh Friedes, director of marriage equality for Equal Rights Washington.

Nationwide polls show a narrow majority (up to 53%) of Americans support marriage equality.

The results come as openly gay state Senator Ed Murray and Representative Jamie Pedersen are discussing whether to introduce a gay marriage bill in the upcoming legislative session.