February 25, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Feb. 25, 2004 - Residents of Massachusetts continue to be divided over same-sex marriage, according to a poll by Suffolk University released by WHDH-TV. 44 per cent of respondents are opposed to allowing wedlock for homosexual partners, while 42 per cent support the idea.

(CPOD) Feb. 25, 2004 - Residents of Massachusetts continue to be divided over same-sex marriage, according to a poll by Suffolk University released by WHDH-TV. 44 per cent of respondents are opposed to allowing wedlock for homosexual partners, while 42 per cent support the idea.

On Nov. 18, 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the state's constitution must offer gay and lesbian couples the possibility of getting married. 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.

In the United States, legal status to same-sex partners is offered --in the form of a civil union-- only in the state of Vermont. 62 per cent of respondents support a similar agreement for Massachusetts.

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.

Yesterday, Bush asked the U.S. congress and senate to enact a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose legalizing same-sex marriage?

Support	42%
Oppose	44%

Do you support or oppose civil unions for same-sex partners?

Support	62%
Oppose	26%

Source: Suffolk University / WHDH-TV
Methodology: Interviews to 400 Massachusetts adults, conducted from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, 2004. Margin of error is 5 per cent.