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Advocates of same-sex marriage generally hold that marriage and its benefits should not be denied to same-sex couples, and that such a denial infringes one or more of their rights as American citizens. Critics of same-sex marriage generally hold that marriage should be defined as only consisting of a union of one man and one woman, a so-called "traditional marriage," and that no rights exist that should compel a state to recognize any relationships to the contrary of that definition. Many people make a distinction between same-sex marriage and civil unions, which would provide same-sex couples some legal rights. Although only about 3 in 10 Americans think gay and lesbian people should be allowed to marry, there is larger support for permitting civil unions . All in all, over half of Americans support some type of legal recognition for same-sex couples who wish to make a long-term commitment. Forty percent think same-sex couples' relationships ought to have no legal recognition. '' Poll: Few Favor Same-Sex Marriage '', CBS/Associated Press, March 15 , 2004. (Accessed July 5 , 2006) Opposition correlated with level of religious attendance, older age, Republican Party affiliation and residing in the Southern States . Levels of support were higher among the young, non-church going, Democratic Party affiliated and those who lived in the Northeast United States . On July 4 , 2005 , the General Synod of the United Church Of Christ endorsed a same-sex marriage resolution making the UCC the first major U.S. Christian denomination to approve same-sex marriages. In some states, particularly in the northeastern and some western states, a majority of people have expressed support for same-sex marriage in some polls. A Massachusetts poll conducted in October and New Jersey have shown majorities supporting same-sex marriage. However, in states where the issue was put to voters, the amendments almost always passed with a greater margin than was previously indicated in polls. That being said, it is a good possibility that even in Massachusetts, it is unclear whether or not a majority actually favors same-sex marriage. Opposition is greatest in the southern states, where same-sex marriage (and any recognition of same-sex couples) is overwhelmingly opposed. POLLS The most recent national poll on same-sex marriage in the United States was conducted in June , March 24 , 2006. (Accessed July 5 , 2006) Prior to this poll, Gallup conducted a poll on the issue through May 2006. The poll found opposition to same-sex marriage had fallen slightly, as other polls found a sharper dip. In the poll, when asked if marriages between homosexuals should be recognized by law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages, 58% (down 1 point from Aug 2005, and 9 points from March 1996) of Americans responded that they should not be recognized. 39% (up 2 points from Aug 2005, and 12 points from 1996) felt same-sex marriages should be recognized by law. If "homosexuals" is replaced with "same-sex couples", 42% back same-sex marriage while 56% oppose it. A similar poll conducted in March of 2006, a Princeton Survey Research Associates / Pew Research Center poll concluded 39% of Americans support same-sex marriage, while 51% oppose it, and 10% were undecided. In December 2004, a poll by the same company found 61% of Americans opposed - with 38% "strongly opposed". Now, less than 2 years later, just 23% are "strongly opposed". However, an identical poll taken by the same group in June 2006 found a rise in those opposed to same-sex marriage, with 56% disapproving of the practice. The most recent poll prior to this also showed opposition to gay marriages had fallen. An Opinion Dynamics / Fox News poll released April 06th of 2006. According to this poll, 55% of Americans oppose same-sex marriage, 33% support it, and 11% are unsure of where they stand. CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 29-May 1, 2005. Adults nationwide. "Do you think marriages between homosexuals should or should not be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?" N=492, MoE ± 5 (Form A) In the following table, "Y" means "Should Be Valid"; "N" means "Should Not Be Valid"; and "U" means "Unsure". CBS , 2006) asking:
Pew Research The Pew Research Center /Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey poll asking:
Pew has since done another study in March 2006 and found that only 51% oppose gay marriage, with 39% supporting it, and the level of "strongly opposing" gay marriage has fallen from 42% to 28%.'' Less Opposition to Gay Marriage, Adoption and Military Service '', The Pew Research Center, March 22 , 2006. (Accessed July 5 , 2006) REFERENCES |
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