August 28, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Aug. 28, 2003 - American opposition to same-sex marriage is on the rise, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 62 per cent of respondents are against gay and lesbian unions.

(CPOD) Aug. 28, 2003 - American opposition to same-sex marriage is on the rise, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 62 per cent of respondents are against gay and lesbian unions.

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 last month that his administration intends to limit marriage to heterosexuals. 58 per cent of respondents would support a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

Polling Data

Recently there has been a lot of talk about allowing gays and lesbians to marry a partner of the same sex. Do you favor or oppose same-sex marriage?

Favor	26%
Oppose	62%

Would you favor or oppose passing a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman?

Favor	58%
Oppose	34%

Source: Opinion Dynamics / Fox News
Methodology: Interviews to 900 registered American voters, conducted on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.