Same-Sex Marriage Finding a Majority

Same-sex marriage has been winning in courts and most recently in legislatures (e.g., Washington, New York).  But it has not won a statewide electorate.  Finally, in California, it now appears a majority of the public supports same-sex marriage (59% approve to 34% disapprove).

Gay rights is one of the few social issues where there is growing consensus on the liberal side of the issue.  California Democrats (69%) and non-partisans (67%) are most supportive, but nearly two-fifths of Republicans (39%) support same-sex marriage.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows 49 percent of Americans approve of same-sex marriage, an increase from 40 percent in 2009.  In a February 13 Blogspot post, a national Pew poll showed 46 percent support (Blog: Gay rights and Gill in the news).  In the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, Democrats provide 67 percent support (up 12% since 2009), independents 46 percent (up 9%) and Republicans 31 percent (up 9%).

See Field Poll:  Big increase in California voters who favor allowing same-sex marriage.  Six in ten (59%) now approve.