Issue Watch
Track global public opinion on current issues.
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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Americans Assess Gay Marriage Amendment
(CPOD) Feb. 14, 2004 - Americans are split over modifying the constitution to allow wedlock for homosexual partners, according to a poll by the National Annenberg Election Survey released by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. 42 per cent of respondents would support an amendment saying that no state can allow same-sex marriage, while 49 per cent disagree.
In November 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the state's constitution must offer same-sex couples the possibility of getting married. Homosexual partners in the state could begin receiving licences on May 17. 60 per cent of respondents say they would oppose a law that would allow gays and lesbians to marry a partner of the same sex in their state.
Legal status to same-sex partners is offered --in the form of a civil union-- only in the state of Vermont. On Feb. 12, gay-rights groups in the U.S. encouraged homosexual partners to apply for legal certificates in the "National Freedom to Marry Day." The city of San Francisco issued 87 marriage licences to same-sex couples.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Texas' sodomy law last year, in what was considered a major victory for gay rights advocates. President George W. Bush acknowledged in July 2003 that his administration intends to limit marriage to heterosexuals.
Polling Data
Would you support or oppose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution saying that no state can allow two men to marry each other or two women to marry each other?
Support | 42% |
Oppose | 49% |
Would you support or oppose a law in your state that would allow gays and lesbians to marry a partner of the same sex?
Support | 31% |
Oppose | 60% |
Source: National Annenberg Election Survey / Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 814 American adults, conducted from Feb. 5 to Feb. 8, 2004. Margin of error is 3 per cent.