US: Studies show majority of voters support equal marriage in Michigan and Virginia
Polls in two more US states have found that a majority of voters support equal marriage, as Michigan and Virginia join states with a majority in support.
A poll of 600 Michigan voters run by the Glengariff Group found that 56.8% of voters said they supported equal marriage, a percentage which had risen by 12.5% since a year ago.
The Detroit News attributed the changes to changing Republican attitudes, and noted a stark contrast between the results of the poll and the 2004 voter-approved constitutional amendment banning equal marriage. A poll in 2004 found that only 24% supported equal marriage.
This year’s poll also showed that 90% of voters approved some legal rights for gay couples. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a policy question move as quickly as this one,” said Richard Czuba, president of Glengariff.
A second poll by the Washington Post found that 56% of voters in Virginia approved equal marriage, a percentage up from 46% two years ago.
Back in 2006, 57% of voters in the state chose to approve a similar constitutional amendment to Michigan, which also banned same-sex marriage in the state.
The Post also attributed the shift to changing Republican views, with 40% in favour of equal marriage. It also noted that the percentage saying equal marriage should be banned had dropped from 86% in 2006 to 47% now.
The poll found that 55% of Arizonans were in favour of equal marriage, with 35% opposed and 10% were unsure.
Mr Dayton signed the bill into law on Tuesday at 17:00 local time using eight separate pens. It will allow same-sex weddings to take place from 1 August.
Citing the US Constitution, Mr Dayton said: “The right to liberty certainly includes marrying the one you love.”
MyPinkNews members are invited to comment on articles to discuss the content we publish, or debate issues more generally. Please familiarise yourself with our community guidelines to ensure that our community remains a safe and inclusive space for all.
Report this comment
Please let us know why you would like to report this comment:
The ability to comment will be removed from anyone who does not follow our Terms & Conditions