A significant majority of Americans are in favour of gay marriage, according to an new national opinion poll.
Forty-four per cent of respondents told polling company Angus Reid that gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry, while only 26 per cent were opposed. A further 21 per cent said they thought same sex couples should be allowed to enter civil partnerships but not marry.
Support for gay marriage was highest amongst younger Americans (58 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 were in favour) and Democrat voters (58 per cent).
Beliefs regarding the origin of homosexuality affect how it is viewed, with 69 per cent of those who believe it is something “people are born with” supporting gay marriage. Meanwhile, 48 per cent of those who believe homosexuality is “something people choose to be” are opposed to marriage or other kinds of legal recognition for same sex couples.
