The latest ABC News/Washington Post poll
shows a record high of 58 percent of registered voters nationwide
supporting marriage equality. Additionally, voters overwhelmingly say
that the U.S. Constitution should be the basis for deciding if gay
couples can marry rather than leaving the decision to individual states
(64 to 33 percent).
“There can be no doubt that this country is on a one-way road to
marriage for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples,” said Human
Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin. “This new poll reflects the
continued evolution of people’s attitudes through thoughtful
conversations over dinner tables and water coolers.”
Today, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced her support for marriage equality in a video released by the Human Rights Campaign. Just last week Republican Senator Rob Portman described his evolution on the issue once his some came out to him as gay.
The poll found increasing support of marriage for gay and lesbian
couples among a variety of demographic groups. Adults 18 to 29 support
marriage equality at 81 percent. Support among seniors has jumped 26
percentage points in the last nine years, Republican support has jumped
18 points since 2004, and Independent support is at 62 percent compared
to 38 percent nine years ago.
Next week the Supreme Court will hear arguments in two marriage-related
cases – one challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act and another
challenging California’s ban on marriage for gay and lesbian couples
known as Proposition 8. The poll shows both supporters and opponents of
marriage equality say the Constitution should be the basis for
determining who can marry – including majorities of self-identified
conservatives and Republicans.