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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
New Jersey Backs Same-Sex Marriage
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(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the Garden State think gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to legally marry, according to a poll by the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University released by the Star-Ledger. 50 per cent of respondents in New Jersey favour same-sex marriage.
In 2004, marriage certificates were issued to same-sex couples by local governments in the states of California, Oregon, New Mexico and New York. In May 2004, the state of Massachusetts allowed gay and lesbian partners to apply for marriage licenses, the first state-sanctioned homosexual weddings in the U.S.
Civil unions—currently available in the states of Vermont and Connecticut—give same-sex partners the same legal rights of married couples such as inheritance, insurance and hospital visiting privileges. A California law grants domestic partners the same legal rights of married couples, with the exception of filing joint income tax returns. 65 per cent of respondents in New Jersey support the concept of civil unions.
Since 2004, New Jersey couples can enter into a domestic partnership. In February, the New Jersey Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that seeks to legalize same-sex marriage in the state. A decision is still pending.
Over the past two years, 19 American states have enacted amendments to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman. Seven more will hold votes on the matter this year.
Polling Data
Would you favour or oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally?
Favour | 50% |
Oppose | 44% |
Not sure | 6% |
Would you favour or oppose allowing gays and lesbians to form a civil union that would give them many of the same rights and benefits as a married man and woman?
Favour | 65% |
Oppose | 30% |
Not sure | 5% |
Source: Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University / The Star-Ledger
Methodology: Interviews to 669 registered New Jersey voters, conducted from Jun. 4 to Jun. 19, 2006. Margin of error is 3.7 per cent.