March 20, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Mar. 20, 2004 - Many Americans would support an amendment that would prevent states from allowing same-sex marriage, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 59 per cent of respondents favour modifying the constitution to ban wedlock for homosexual partners, a four per cent increase since December 2003.

(CPOD) Mar. 20, 2004 - Many Americans would support an amendment that would prevent states from allowing same-sex marriage, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 59 per cent of respondents favour modifying the constitution to ban wedlock for homosexual partners, a four per cent increase since December 2003.

On Feb. 24, president George W. Bush asked the United States Congress to enact a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union between a man and a woman. 22 per cent of respondents support allowing wedlock for homosexual couples, while 40 per cent oppose any legal recognition for same-sex partners.

Civil unions for gay and lesbian partners are available only in the state of Vermont. 33 per cent of respondents agree with such arrangements.

Polling Data

Would you support or oppose a constitutional amendment that would allow marriage only between a man and a woman?

	Mar. 2004	Dec. 2003
Support	59%	55%
Oppose	35%	40%

Do you think same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry, allowed to form civil unions, or should they get no legal recognition?

To legally marry	22%
To form civil unions	33%
No legal recognition	40%

Source: CBS News / The New York Times
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,206 American adults, conducted from Mar. 10 to Mar. 14, 2004. Margin of error is 3 per cent.