NJ POLL ON SSM, CIVIL UNIONS: Maggie Gallagher

[A NJ reporter puts a determinedly optimistic look at poll results showing a majority in NJ oppose SSM. Two things of note for trend watchers--the emphasis on "social security benefits" and the reduction of marriage to a mere "rite," when separated from legal benefits. Actually many Christian conservatives agree with certain gay activists on this point: marriage is just a word or a rite, the real stuff of marriage is the set of legal benefits. Therefore offering civil unions is just the same as offering marriage. In my opinion, both these conceptions of marriage (as a right or as just a rite) are off-base. Subject for another day.]

Excerpts below, full story HERE.]

"Jerseyans support civil unions for gay couples:Poll shows liberal state attitude differs from national numbers."September 29, 2003 BY JUDY PEET New Jersey Star'Ledger Staff

They may not endorse same-sex marriage, but a majority of New Jerseyans favor "civil unions" . . .according to the latest Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers Poll.

In responses much more liberal than previous national polls, 52 percent of New Jersey residents support civil unions and six out of 10 said same-sex couples should be entitled to health insurance and Social Security benefits through their partners.

Even on the subject of marriage rites-- a topic the respondents found more difficult to accept--support for legalizing gay marriage ran 43 percent overall and as high as 64 percent among younger New Jerseyans, the poll found. By comparison, a recent national poll by ABC News found that only 37 percent of Americans favor legalizing gay marriage and only 40 percent support civil unions.

posted by maggie at 11:25 PM VOTE

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