Confused Americans Approve of Gay Marriage But Support Constitutional Ban Against It
Most Americans approve of same-sex marriage than oppose, but many still Americans support a constitutional ban against it, says a new poll conducted by the Associated Press.
The poll, which surveyed 1,000 Americans, showed conflicting attitudes regarding the controversial topic. While 53 percent of Americans approve of a law recognizing same-sex marriage, only 44 percent oppose it.
However, 48 percent of Americans favor a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, while 43 percent opposed, meaning more Americans favor a federal law that would usurp the states’ ability to decide.
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In seeming contrast to the amount of people supporting a constitutional ban, a hefty 55 percent favor letting states decide the fate of same-sex marriage, with only 39 percent believing the federal government should bypass states’ rights on the issue.
Although most people were in favor of letting states decide on same-sex marriage, most people did not believe their state would pass such a law. Out of those polled, only 20 percent of people believed a same-sex marriage vote would pass in their state.
The poll also reveals a more relaxed attitude towards same-sex relationships. An overwhelming majority of Americans are in favor of same-sex couples being entitled to the same government benefits as straight, married couples: 57 percent favor the entitlements and only 40 percent oppose them.
Whether or not someone is opposed to same-sex marriage determined how important the issue is for them, the AP said. For those opposed to same-sex marriage, 44 percent called it, “extremely or very important for them personally.” For people who were in favor, only 32 percent considered the issue that important.
North Carolina will be the next battleground for the same-sex issue. Earlier this week, the state House and Senate approved the legislation to appear on the ballot in May 2012.
