CBS POLL: MOST OPPOSE GAY WEDDINGS

According to a CBS News poll, most Americans oppose gay marriage--and opposition appears to be increasing.

However, support for a constitutional amendment rises and falls with the way that the amendment is worded. The issue seems likely to play a role in the fall presidential election, particularly for those who are opposed to same-sex marriages.

In a CBS News poll conducted immediately after President Bush endorsed a constitutional ban on gay marriage, 59% of Americans said they would favor an amendment to the Constitution that would "allow marriage only between a man and a woman," up slightly from 55% last December. ...

When a question is asked without reference to a possible constitutional amendment, even more oppose legalizing gay marriage. Sixty-two percent of Americans oppose a law that would allow homosexual couples to marry and obtain the same legal rights as other married couples; just 30% favor gay marriage.

The public seems to have become even less receptive toward gay marriage in the past seven months. ...

Opponents of the constitutional amendment include liberals (62%) and those who have a college degree or higher education (51%). Northeasterners are slightly more likely to oppose the amendment than support it, 49% to 45%. Young Americans under age 30 are more likely than older people to oppose the amendment, but a majority of them still favors it.

Voters do not cite gay marriage as the main issue they want to hear about this year. Far more name the economy, jobs and the war--but the issue may still have an impact on voting. ...

Just over half of voters, 52%, say they would consider voting for a candidate who does not share their views on gay marriage.

Opponents of the legalization of gay marriage are less willing than those who favor it to look beyond a candidate's position on the issue. Fifty-three percent of voters who oppose gay marriage would not consider voting for a candidate who doesn't share their view. ...

One potential Democratic loss could come from black voters, 58% of whom say they would not consider voting for a candidate who doesn't share their views on the issue of gay marriage.

Nearly all of those black voters who would not consider such a candidate are opposed to legalizing gay marriage. However, as of now, black voters would overwhelmingly vote Democratic in November. Three-quarters disapprove of Mr. Bush's job performance as president, and 82% now say they would vote Democratic in the November presidential election.

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posted by Eve at 3:46 PM VOTE

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