March 16, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Mar. 16, 2004 - Many residents of Alabama would change the constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage, according to a poll by the University of South Alabama published in the Mobile Register. 65 per cent of respondents would support an amendment that would forbid wedlock for gay and lesbian partners.

(CPOD) Mar. 16, 2004 - Many residents of Alabama would change the constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage, according to a poll by the University of South Alabama published in the Mobile Register. 65 per cent of respondents would support an amendment that would forbid wedlock for gay and lesbian partners.

On Feb. 24, U.S. president George W. Bush asked the U.S. Congress to enact an amendment that would define marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

The regulations regarding constitutional amendments in the U.S. establish a two-step process. First, two-thirds of members in both the House of Representatives and the Senate --or two thirds of the country's state legislatures-- must vote to request the change. In order for the amendment to be ratified, it must be approved by 38 of the country's 50 state legislatures.

Last week, governor Bob Riley pressed Alabama lawmakers to pass a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union between a man and a woman. The governor said he wants the state's residents to vote on the modification on Nov. 2, to coincide with the presidential election.

Polling Data

Would you support or oppose a constitutional amendment to stoop state or local governments from allowing same-sex marriages?

Support	65%
Oppose	27%

Source: University of South Alabama / The Mobile Register
Methodology: Interviews to 424 Alabama adults, conducted from Mar. 8 to Mar. 11, 2004. Margin of error is 5 per cent.