December 15, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Dec. 15, 2003 - A large number of Americans remain opposed to wedlock for gay and lesbian partners, according to a poll by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University. 52 per cent of respondents object to the recognition of same-sex marriage.

(CPOD) Dec. 15, 2003 - A large number of Americans remain opposed to wedlock for gay and lesbian partners, according to a poll by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University. 52 per cent of respondents object to the recognition of same-sex marriage.

Legal status to same-sex partners is offered --in the form of a civil union-- only in the state of Vermont. 44 per cent of respondents disagree with such agreements.

Last month, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the state's constitution must offer same-sex couples the possibility of getting married.

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 in July that his administration intends to limit marriage to heterosexuals.

Polling Data

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

Support	27%
Oppose	52%

Would you support or oppose a law that would allow gay or lesbian couples to legally form civil unions, giving them some of the legal rights of married couples?

Support	36%
Oppose	44%

Source: Scripps Howard News Service / Ohio University
Methodology: Interviews to 1,054 American adults, conducted from Oct. 20 to Nov. 4, 2003. Margin of error is 4 per cent.