November 19, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Nov. 19, 2003 - A majority of Americans reject wedlock for gay and lesbian partners, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 59 per cent of respondents object to the recognition of same-sex marriage.

(CPOD) Nov. 19, 2003 - A majority of Americans reject wedlock for gay and lesbian partners, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 59 per cent of respondents object to the recognition of same-sex marriage.

Legal status to same-sex partners is offered --in the form of a civil union-- only in the state of Vermont. 51 per cent of respondents disagree with such agreements.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Texas' sodomy law earlier this year, in what was considered a major victory for gay rights advocates. In early August, the Episcopalian Church named its first openly homosexual bishop to head the New Hampshire diocese.

Yesterday, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the state's constitution must offer same-sex couples the possibility of getting married.

President George W. Bush acknowledged in July that his administration intends to limit marriage to heterosexuals. Bush declared Oct. 12 to 18 as "Marriage Protection Week."

Polling Data

Do you strongly favor or oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally?

Strongly favor	9%
Favor	23%
Oppose	24%
Strongly oppose	35%

Do you strongly favor or oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to enter into legal agreements with each other that would give them many of the same rights as married couples?

Strongly favor	13%
Favor	28%
Oppose	21%
Strongly oppose	30%

Source: Pew Research Center for the People & the Press
Methodology: Interviews to 1,515 American adults, conducted from Oct. 15 to Oct. 19, 2003. Margin of error is 4 per cent.