Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Californians Split On Same-Sex Marriage

February 22, 2004

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Abstract: (CPOD) Feb. 22, 2004 - Residents of California are divided over allowing wedlock for homosexual partners, according to a poll by the Public Policy Institute of California. 50 per cent of respondents oppose same-sex marriage, while 44 per cent support it.

(CPOD) Feb. 22, 2004 - Residents of California are divided over allowing wedlock for homosexual partners, according to a poll by the Public Policy Institute of California. 50 per cent of respondents oppose same-sex marriage, while 44 per cent support it.

Legal status to same-sex partners is offered --in the form of a civil union-- only in the state of Vermont. Since Feb. 12, the city of San Francisco has issued more than 3,200 marriage certificates to gay and lesbian couples. Mayor Gavin Newsom officiated at one of the ceremonies on Feb. 20.

George W. Bush referred to the recent events in San Francisco as "troubling." The American president has repeatedly stated that his administration intends to limit marriage to heterosexuals.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to be legally married?

Support

44%

Oppose

50%

Source: Public Policy Institute of California
Methodology: Interviews to 2,004 Californian adults, conducted from Feb. 8 to Feb. 16, 2004. Margin of error is 2 per cent.