(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many Spaniards back their government's rationale to officially recognize gay and lesbian partnerships, according to a poll by Instituto Opina released by Cadena Ser. 62.1 per cent of respondents support legalizing same-sex marriage.

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of the Socialist Worker's Party (PSOE) was sworn in as president of the government in April 2004, following his party's victory in the legislative ballot. The conservative Popular Party (PP) had administered the government under José María Aznar since 1996.

In April, the PSOE-dominated Congress of Deputies approved a bill that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, divorce and adopt children. On Jun. 30, the bill became law after a 187-147 vote. Spain becomes the third country in Europe—after Belgium and the Netherlands—to permit same-sex marriage.

Zapatero said the new regulation provides "for a more decent country, because a decent society does not humiliate its members." PP leader Mariano Rajoy called the law "a grave act of irresponsibility."

Support is slightly lower on the issue of same-sex partners raising children. 49.1 per cent of respondents believe the government was right to include adoption rights in the new law, while 42.5 per cent disagree.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the government's decision to legalize same-sex marriage?

Do you support or oppose the government's decision to include adoption among the rights granted to same-sex couples?

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.