August 31, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Aug. 31, 2003 - Californians rate below the national average in opposition to same-sex marriage, according to a poll by Field. 50 per cent of respondents are against gay and lesbian unions.

(CPOD) Aug. 31, 2003 - Californians rate below the national average in opposition to same-sex marriage, according to a poll by Field. 50 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. 50 per cent of respondents would oppose a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

Polling Data

Would you approve or disapprove of a law that would permit homosexuals to marry members of their own sex and have regular marriage laws apply to them?

Approve	42%
Disapprove	50%

Do you favor or oppose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would define marriage as between a man and a woman, thus barring marriage between gay and lesbian couples?

Favor	42%
Oppose	50%

Source: Field
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 629 registered California voters, conducted in English and Spanish from Aug. 10 to Aug. 13, 2003. Margin of error is 5.8 per cent.