Support for gay marriage is hitting record-level highs, with fully 55 percent of Americans saying it’s quite OK for homosexuals to trade government-sanctioned wedding vows.
The Gallup poll said that the 55 percentage level of approval is 2 points higher than it was in 2013, and the highest since the question was first posed, back in 1996.
Those in the under-30 crowd were the most likely to support the same-sex unions, with 78 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 29 saying they’re on board. And 42 percent of those age 65 and older support gay marriage, too.
Back in 1996, the figures were switched: 68 percent opposed gay marriage.
The big changes come mostly because states have seen so many overturns in voter-backed and legislatively passed bans on same sex marriage in recent times, Gallup said.
“Proponents of marriage equality, years of playing offense have finally paid off as this movement has reached a tipping point in recent years — both legally and in the court of public opinion,” Gallup reported. “Gay marriage supporters’ game strategy has officially pivoted to challenging state bans in court. … Younger Americans are more supportive of same-sex marriage, and this will likely continue to drive overall support at the gradual pace it has increased over recent years.”
The South, however, still stands somewhat steadfast in its opposition to gay marriage.
That’s where “traditional marriage advocates still hold a majority of support,” Gallup found. “Public opinion in southern states will be a barometer to observe as the bulk of future legal battles will play out there in the months and years to come.”
The poll was based on telephone interviews between May 8 and May 11 of 1,028 adults.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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