ABC/WaPo Poll: Plurality in US Favors Gay Marriage

by Jonathan Singer, Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 04:08:37 PM EST

Huge, huge news out of the latest polling from ABC News and The Washington Post:

Take gay marriage, legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut and now Iowa, with Vermont coming aboard in September. At its low, in 2004, just 32 percent of Americans favored gay marriage, with 62 percent opposed. Now 49 percent support it versus 46 percent opposed -- the first time in ABC/Post polls that supporters have outnumbered opponents.

More than half, moreover -- 53 percent -- say  gay marriages held legally in another state should be recognized as legal in their states.

The surprise is that the shift has occurred across ideological groups. While conservatives are least apt to favor gay marriage, they've gone from 10 percent support in 2004 to 19 percent in 2006 and 30 percent now -- overall a 20-point, threefold increase, alongside a 13-point gain among liberals and 14 points among moderates. (Politically, support for gay marriage has risen sharply among Democrats and independents alike, while far more slightly among Republicans.)

It's worth noting that although the ABC/WaPo polling found that more Americans favor allowing homosexuals to marry than don't, a survey from Quinnipiac in the field around the same time actually found a majority of voters opposing gay marriage by a 55 percent to 38 percent margin. The wording of the two questions were slightly different -- ABC/WaPo asked the question in the abstract as a general policy issue, while Quinnipiac asked individuals whether they would favor legislation enacting gay marriage in their state -- so that might account for some of the difference. On the other hand, Quinnipiac did find widespread support for civil unions (57 percent to 38 percent) and opposition to denying federal benefits to same-sex couples (54 percent to 39 percent). A similarly strong majority (56 percent to 37 percent) in Quinnipiac polling indicated they believe gays should be allowed to serve openly in the military.

All in all, judging by these numbers as well as other recent news, it's difficult not to arrive at the conclusion that the move towards marriage equality continues to proceed in a fairly steady fashion.




Tags: Marriage Equality, Gay Marriage (all tags)

Display:
Permalink :: 32 Comments :: Post a Comment


tick..tick...tick...tick... (none / 0)

The clock is moving, time is against the forces opposed to equality for all Americana.

That is why you will see more and more lat ditch attempts by the Religous factions to "grand-father in" laws and other obstructionist roadblocks.

It doesn't matter, they have already lost, they are in retreat, it's just a matter of when.

I wrote a diary about the modern US public school system, and I Do think it played a key in this.

We started the kids preaching tolerance and inclusion to them, and the Millenials are just so beyond seeing this as an issue, the RR is facing a demogrphic wave they just can't stop.

So, my advice is, any recent high school graduate looking for a career!

Gay Divorce Lawyer!

Talk about a golden market opportunity!

Oh, I mean Lawyers for Gay's getting divorced, I suspect there are plenty of gay divorce lawyers out there already.


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 04:22:16 PM EST

Re: tick..tick...tick...tick... (none / 0)

Your ramblings do you no justice.

Their is a narrow, silent majority in this country who oppose gay marriage.

And if want to talk demographics, a la Millenials and such, do you think that when the 15+ million illegals eventually are allowed to vote that they'll support a pro-gay marriage position? I don't think so.

I'd like to remind you that the Field Poll in CA showed Prop. 8 losing a week before the election!

And I don't need to remind you that Prop. 8 won.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 05:02:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That narrow silent majority (none / 0)

will be a minority soon.

I'm sorry, you lost, my generation doesn't care. Many of us grew up in broken homes...marriage is in no way sacred in this country. Especially when fucking Heidi and Spencer from The Hills can get a marriage license.


Keep Yelling, Nobody's Listening -SallyCat
by DTOzone on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 05:48:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's the fricking catholic church arguement... (none / 0)

LOL!

Go to a Catholic church, you will see lots of millienials with their parents, and NONE of them give a crap what the church says about Gay Marriage.

It's the old mostly white clergy holding the line, and the younger the church member, the more out of touch they know the church leadership is.

Another BS arguement, but our Homophobe old-timer Zeity likes to throw them around.


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:01:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's the fricking catholic church arguement... (none / 0)

People in church don't care about gay marriage?

Which church--because I won't be going there.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:14:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Any Catholic or Episcopalian Church (none / 0)

in Queens, New York for starters.


Keep Yelling, Nobody's Listening -SallyCat
by DTOzone on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:17:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Any Catholic or Episcopalian Church (none / 0)

Catholic I don't buy.

The Episcopalians went off the deep end 5 years ago, so I'll grant you that one.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:18:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A lot of the chaplins and priest are ahead of the (none / 0)

Curve...

It's the hierarchy, especially the vatican that is old, white and stuck in the 1950s.

I know ZG doesn't think so, but the clock is ticking there too.

Just like my generation, the boomers, ignored the Church on Birth Control, so will the Millenials Catholic on voting for gay marriage.

Hey, the Catholic church can give up on the gay community and lose all that money if they want?

One of the best funded churches I attended in Seattle for a while, CSL, just re-built its entire complex including a huge new cathederal?

Raised Millions in a matter of 6 months.

LOL!  They are smart enough to welcome the gay community, who as we know typically are in the upper half of income earners.


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:28:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I went to the largest Catholic High School (none / 0)

"But I guess God must've punished us...Father Judge died in 9/11 and now my alma mater is ground zero for the swine flu outbreak."

I would never say that.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:31:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No (none / 0)

Um, that's the definition of politics.

And I'm content to be in bed with them on this issue.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:52:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well you may think you're going to be in bed with (none / 0)

Michelle Bachmann, but I think Virgie Foxx is more likely your homophobic bed partner:


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 07:05:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's fine (none / 0)

Don't cry in your holy water when the country moves against you on this.


Keep Yelling, Nobody's Listening -SallyCat
by DTOzone on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 07:07:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That's fine (none / 0)

There's nothing holy about me or my water.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 07:29:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That's fine (none / 0)

I am baffled by this argument that this is somehow "protecting marriage"

No one seemed to care about protecting marriage when my friends growing up were going through their parents' angry divorces, adultery and drunken abuse. No one was standing up against alcohol abuse and the damage it's causing to families...no one demanding outlawing adultery or divorce. No one stood up against Las Vegas marriages. Now, suddenly, we're supposed to get outraged because gays want to get married? As if suddenly THAT is the big threat to marriages, more than divorce, adultery, alcohol/drug abuse? And I'm supposed to suddenly believe that everyone wants to save marriage NOW...and it's not because the people trying to get married are gay? I don't think so.

Budweiser destroyed more marriages than homosexuals ever will.


Keep Yelling, Nobody's Listening -SallyCat
by DTOzone on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 08:01:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I went to the largest Catholic High School (none / 0)

I remembered reading a lot  about  Judge when I first got here. He seemed like a great man.


by bruh3 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 07:35:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I went to the largest Catholic High School (none / 0)

You went to St. Francis Prep?


Follow me on Twitter.
by Charles Lemos on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 08:59:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Or where I live (none / 0)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Hil l,_Seattle,_Washington

Some of the oldest Catholic Churches in Town, also the center of gay life in Seattle.

LOL, Ziety, the Church goers there would all terrify you anyway-really, don't go there!


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:21:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That wiill be a net plus for the Church (none / 0)

Pick out any..then don't go.

The congregation will be better for that decision.


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:17:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That wiill be a net plus for the Church (none / 0)

LOLZ


by Zeitgeist9000 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:19:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: tick..tick...tick...tick... (none / 0)

your homophobia is so TIRESOME!!  By the way, let me let you in on a secret i figured out when i was about 6--  just because you say something doesn't make it true!!

Your suggestion that "illegals" will gain voting rights sometime soon and then be an anti-gay block is pretty ridiculous.  In the first place, even if immigration reform were imminent, i think most plans require a substantial waiting period before full citizenship rights.  Secondly, these people are not living in a bubble.  If the rest of the country's viewpoint is shifting, why is it reasonable to assume that it's any different among the undocumented (some of whom have been in this country for many years, might i remind you...)

Furthermore, what is glaringly apparent in poll after poll on this issue is that younger voters are REMARKABLY more likely to favor gay marriage.  Coincidentally, immigrants have higher birth rates than native born citizens.  This disproves your point on its face, as more of the younger generation who strongly supports gay marriage is made up of immigrants and the children of immigrants than the older generations who don't support gay marriage, as well as dooming your argument about immigration reform and its long-term impact on marriage equality as apparently, more immigrants=more young people=more support for marriage equality.

Lastly, i highly doubt that there is a state in the union with more undocumented workers than New York.  A recent poll found that not only is gay marriage supported by a majority of residents, it also enjoys majority support in every region of the state, among Latinos (who make up the largest share of undocumented workers in the country), and Catholics (which are also a large share of immigrants, particularly from central/south america).

In light of all this and with regards to your long-standing homophobia, you sir (or madam??) have earned an epic  F A I L  !!!


by bluedavid on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:13:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: tick..tick...tick...tick... (none / 0)

I don't have to be homophobic (which I'm not) to be anti-gay marriage.

I live among Latinos in California.

The family unit is so cohesive among them that these surveys you cite about young people:

1) Probably don't even take the children of illegals into account.
2) Probably don't take into account that Latinos are more likely than other immigrant groups to maintain the cultural identity of their forebears.

And it's sir. And if you're coming on to me, that's okay! I like you, too.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:28:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Cultural Identity (none / 0)

may mean keeping traditions and cultural stuff like food and music, but it doesn't necessarily include voting on issues.

I live among Latinos in New York...and while all of what you say is true, younger Hispanics still tend to be more progressives than their parents and grandparents.


Keep Yelling, Nobody's Listening -SallyCat
by DTOzone on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:35:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You correctly characterize the Latino Community (none / 0)

Especially the newer ones.

They will reflect the view of their parents.

Give their kids a generation, and their views will more match the millenials;

This is about age demographics, not religion, in the long run.

Some may relect the resistance to gay marriage that their parents did, but many will move to the viewpoint of their age peers.

The more educated they get, the more that will happen as well.

Look, as I said, the Church fought an amazing battle over birth control.

They lost, most of the boomer goers don't follow the Church there.

Legal Abortion? Same thing, though not as big a number, but in aggregate, most Catholic Church goers believe that Abortion is not good, but it should not be illegal. Again, that breaks down along age demographics, the younger you go, the more they reflect the pro-choice stance.

Gay marriage? I think it is the same, not sure if it's that well polled and documented, but I see no compelling reason why it should be any different.

The younger the Catholic, the more tolerant they are.


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:42:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: tick..tick...tick...tick... (none / 0)

Provide an empically based logical argument for why you are against marriage equality besides bigotry. That means you can'tjust regurgitate talking points. With me, you got to provide the facts to back it up and citation. If you can't do that, then yes, your argument is based on bigotry. Denial is not proof of intent. Just like I would not believe someone for whom the evidence demonstrated that they are lying in other regards. If you want to be not considered a bigot- prove it. Provide something that illustrates you are not.


by bruh3 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 07:38:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Probably (none / 0)

Their is a narrow, silent majority in this country who oppose gay marriage.

Yes, there is.  A narrow one.

And every year, over three million Americans die.  Further, every year, over three million Americans turn 18 and acquire the right to vote.

Those Americans who pass away oppose marriage equality by a substantial margin.  Those who turn 18 support marriage equality by an equally substantial margin.

Too bad for the bigots ...


by Collideascope on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:33:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's ALL about generations, though ZG (none / 0)

wants to hold onto what they believe is a winning argument, the Religous one.

My parents, who basically were not straight up bigoted like THEIR parents, still cringed if they saw an interacial couple.

In my generation, most gays had to stay in the closet. We all knew in highschool who was gay, but it was the teachers who were mostly clueless.

Except the teachers that were gay themselves, and THEIR our parents were clueless.  What a deal!

My daughter is like "gay marriage? There's a problem?"

She understands that it was once illegal for blacks and whites to marry, but she sort of pictures that like she can the 12th century...it's just not possible for her to imagine that world.

So, it will be in two generations for gay marriage.

The kids of that time will say "No, your kidding? That was illegal when?"


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:51:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: tick..tick...tick...tick... (none / 0)

There's a silent majority that still believes that I am subhuman because I am black. What's your point?


by bruh3 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 07:40:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: tick..tick...tick...tick... (none / 0)

Woooooooo  Scaaaaarrrryyy Illeeeeegals  Woooooo!

Homophobic and xenophobic.  Splendid.


Howard Dean is my go-to guy
by lojasmo on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 09:13:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gay Marriage (none / 0)

When this issue was put forward about five years ago, I was apalled.  I thought, we just got rid of crimes against nature.  There is NO WAY we can achieve marriage equality for decades!  I feared this issue would be a war cry of the Republicans leading to sure defeat of the Democrats.

Boy, was I wrong!  Boy, am I glad!  Instead of issue after issue, talking about health care for homosexual couples, fair housing, adoption and on and on, piece by piece, in one enormous rush the gay couple can become an equal in the eyes of the law with the heterosexuals.  There was talk how badly the proposition was handled by gays in California...well, the national picture shows a brilliant strategy that is going to remake the legal landscape for gays in America.  Great!


by candideinnc on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 05:19:33 PM EST

Re: Gay Marriage (none / 0)

The New England strategy is not nothing like the strategy in CA. CA was poorly run, but it also was a wake up call. No one is taking anything for granted anymore.


by bruh3 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 05:21:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: California was botched (none / 0)

HRC is SOOOOOOOOO out of touch!  they don't understand how politics has changed.  they're operating in like a clinton-era time warp.  which sucks, because as the most visible gay rights organization in the country, they're doing a disservice to the community.


by bluedavid on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 06:01:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Military (none / 0)

The military poll is significantly below where other polls have found the pulbic on gays in the military. Typically it polls in the 70s. Therefore, I am curious about the methodology and demographics of those polls. What were the set of assumptions.


by bruh3 on Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 05:20:18 PM EST


You are not logged in.

In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.

If not, you can make an account right here. It's quick and free.

Login
Username:

Password: