Switch In Opinions On Gay Marriage

Sacramento, CA — A new Field Poll shows that a record 61 percent of Californians now approve of allowing same-sex couples to marry. That is a nearly two-to-one margin with 32 percent against. The overall results represent a reversal in 36 year old views from when the Field Poll started taking surveys on gay marriage. When the first survey was conducted in 1977, only 28 percent approved of gay marriage. Two groups that are still opposed by a majority are registered Republicans and voters who classify themselves as conservatives.

The poll also found six in ten voters say the upcoming ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8 is very important. Prop 8 is the voter-approved initiative banning same-sex marriage in the state. Supporters of same-sex marriage are nearly twice as likely as opponents to say the ruling is important to them.