August 20, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Aug. 20, 2003 - Americans remain opposed to same-sex marriage, according to a poll by International Communications Research released by the Associated Press. 52 per cent of respondents would back a law that would effectively forbid gay and lesbian spouses.

(CPOD) Aug. 20, 2003 - Americans remain opposed to same-sex marriage, according to a poll by International Communications Research released by the Associated Press. 52 per cent of respondents would back a law that would effectively forbid gay and lesbian spouses.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Texas' sodomy law earlier this year, in what was considered a major victory for gay rights advocates. President George W. Bush acknowledged last month that his administration intends to limit marriage to heterosexuals. In early August, the Episcopalian Church named its first openly homosexual bishop to head the New Hampshire diocese.

The public reacted in a similar fashion to the idea of civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. 53 per cent of respondents reject the establishment of such legal partnerships, currently legal only in the state of Vermont.

Polling Data

Would you support or oppose a law that would ban gay marriages?

Support	52%
Oppose	41%

Would you support or oppose the establishment of civil unions for gay and lesbian couples?

Support	41%
Oppose	53%

Source: International Communications Research / Associated Press
Methodology: Interviews to 1,028 American adults in 48 states, conducted from Aug. 8 to Aug. 12, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.