US: Support for same-sex marriage hits record high
A poll has found that support for same-sex marriage in the US has reached a new record high.
The Greenberg Quinlan Rosner study was commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign, ahead of a Supreme Court case that could bring marriage equality to the 13 states where same-sex remain banned from marrying.
A poll of likely voters found that 60 percent of people now support marriage equality, with a majority in favour even in more conservative states.
At 60 percent, support breaks the previous record high of 56 percent last year.
The poll found growth in support among groups traditionally opposed, with backing for equal marriage reaching 66 percent among Catholics, 48 percent among seniors, and 35 percent among Republicans.
Interestingly, the poll also found that 46 percent of people now know a gay couple who has gotten married, following the dramatic expansion of same-sex marriage in 2014 through over 20 new states.
Fred Sainz, Vice President for Communications at the Human Rights Campaign, said: “This poll is another conclusive sign that support for marriage equality and LGBT people overall continues to grow.
“The reality is that eight out of ten Americans now know someone who is LGBT and nearly half of our country knows an LGBT person who is married or in a committed relationship.
“The violent rhetoric of some of the so-called leaders in the dwindling anti-marriage minority leave them isolated and out touch, even with voters who otherwise support traditional definitions of marriage.”
