October 08, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Oct. 8, 2003 - Americans are split over the benefits of same-sex marriage, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 48 per cent of respondents say gay and lesbian unions will change society for the worse.

(CPOD) Oct. 8, 2003 - Americans are split over the benefits of same-sex marriage, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 48 per cent of respondents say gay and lesbian unions will change society for the worse.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Texas' sodomy law earlier this year, in what was considered a major victory for gay rights advocates. Legal status to same-sex partners is offered - in the form of a civil union - only in the state of Vermont. In early August, the Episcopalian Church named its first openly homosexual bishop to head the New Hampshire diocese.

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

Polling Data

Do you think that allowing two people of the same sex to legally marry will change our society for the better, will it have no effect, or will it change our society for the worse?

Better	10%
No effect	40%
Worse	48%

Source: Gallup / CNN / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,003 American adults, conducted from Sept. 19 to Sept. 21, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.