CBS Poll: Changing Views On Gay Marriage

Most Americans Say Same-Sex Couples Should Have Legal Recognition

(CBS)  Most Americans continue to think there should be some legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples, and 30 percent say same-sex couples should be allowed to marry - the highest number since CBS News began asking this question in 2004.

Twenty-eight percent think same-sex couples should be permitted to form civil unions, but more than a third - 36 percent - say there should be no legal recognition of a gay couple’s relationship.

Last month, the California Supreme Court struck down that state’s ban on same-sex marriage, paving the way for gay and lesbian couples to marry there.

Americans’ views on this issue have changed since 2004, although opinion has not changed substantially in the last two years. In November of 2004 (soon after the presidential election) just 21 percent of Americans supported the idea of same-sex couples being allowed to marry.

Majorities of both men and women support some form of legal recognition for gay and lesbian couples, but more women (36 percent) than men (24 percent) back the idea of same-sex marriage.

More than six in 10 Democrats think same-sex couples should be allowed to either marry or form civil unions. Fifty percent of Republicans are against either of these options.

There are regional differences, too. Four in 10 of those living in the western portion of the U.S. favor same-sex marriage - the highest of any other region. Americans living in the south are least likely to support it.

Groups most likely to support same-sex marriage include those under age 30, liberals, Americans living in the west, and those who never go to church.

Republicans, conservatives, white evangelicals and weekly church attendees are groups that are least likely to support the idea.

Read The Complete CBS News Poll

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This poll was conducted among a random sample of 1,038 adults nationwide, including 930 registered voters, interviewed by telephone May 30-June 3, 2008. Phone numbers were dialed from RDD samples of both standard land-lines and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus four percentage points. The error for subgroups is higher. The error for the sample of registered voters is plus or minus four points.

[sgtrds-e4]

100 years from now when gay marriage is commonplace our great great grand children will look back and wonder what the big deal was. They''ll think those opposed to it were quaint, old fashioned, prudish and silly.

[hypnotoad72]

One final post on this minority of issues - let the religions decide their terms. Let governments determine theirs. Then get on with life; there are far more things to worry about than what two people do in the bedroom; just as long as people think of responsibility, which few do anymore anyway.

[tradamerica2]

"...since CBS News began asking this question in 2004. "

More obfuscation from CBS -- you folks have been writing pro homosexual marriage advertising copy for over a decade now. Then all of a sudden you say values have changed. Advertising works. That''s why billions are spent on in every year. Remember, the world you seek to enable is one that will summarily decapitate you when it ascends to power.

[tradamerica2]

"Republicans, conservatives, white evangelicals and weekly church attendees are groups that are least likely to support the idea""

Another piece of *** from CBS -- BLACK evangelicals are opposed to homosexual marriage more so than whites. Nice spin CBS. Do you people really think you''re helping create more tolerance for deviant behavior by lying about demographics and polls?

[tradamerica2]

Lastly:

CBS is obsessed with homosexuality, and deviant sexual behaviors in general, and is a not so tacit supporter of the porn industry.

Porn is one of the primary abrasives responsible for the coarsening of our culture. It uses women - so efficiently in fact that they are most often the advocate face of porn''s self defense.

Simple common sense question: Do you want your child or grand grandchild to aspire to have dirty *** on film for strangers to masturbate to?

Back track the enabler trail and it will lead you right to the democrat party -- one of the many reasons I burnt my membership and became an Independent voter.

Our society has a chronic infection and it''s enabled by so-called liberals.

As a true Independent liberal, I rebuke those who would enable the porn industry, as their efforts lead the way to legalizing the use of children -- and don''t think that isn''t on the table in porn circles.

[pvperson]

Just how weak must be the marriage and/or faith of the 36% that refuse to accept gay relationships. They must be the same people outraged by interracial relationships last century. I''m a straight, married male that has never felt threatened by what two gay people may or may not do in thier own homes. Why do so many fill such alarm?

[hermitdave]

Life goes on in spite of backward people like George Bush and the Pope. Like SgtRDS says in 100 years gay marriage will be commonplace. Hopefully religion will be completely gone. Since it is the cause of most of the hate of change among humans.

[hermitdave]

THANKS for proving my point about religion. Silly quotes from the book of silly stories. Hard to believe humans could still believe a book written back when humans were even dumber than they are now.

[andrew_693]

the only people that feel threatened by gay people are closet ***.

[midwestkb]

Experience teaches us things about our prejudices. My background is middle-class conservative and white with an education from a very right-wing religion-supported college.
My son is gay. How does one reconcile generations of indoctrination when confronted with the reality of a kind, intelligent and loving child that is gay? You examine what you know and realize the indoctrination is just that -- indoctrination. Indoctrination is the kind word for brain washing and "taught prejudice".
My marriage and my relationship of almost 30 years with my partner; is not threatened because my son wants the same long-term commitment and relationship.
Marriage is a contract. Contracts are legal binding documents recognized by the state and society. This contract is a question for lawyers -- not priests. Make all unions (contracts) the responsibility of the legal system.
If you want your union "blessed" -- then go to your church (or church that will have you) and have a ceremony recognizing your union. Churches would not be compelled to sanctify gay marriages but only those in keeping with their doctrine.

[husein_pasha]

The catastrophe is coming

[husein_pasha]

And I`m from the Middle class, from a secular family and education in europe

[grandmotherv]

It is interesting to note how the values of humanity veer back and forth over the centuries. Homosexuality became the norm, or approved by most people,in Noah''s day before the flood. Then there were many years that it was considered a sin by men. It was acceptable in Jerusalem before the Romans sacked the city in the year 70AD. Then again,there were many years that it was a sin in the eyes of mankind. It was found acceptable again as Rome began to decline and lost her role as world leader. Perhaps the view that homosexuality is an acceptable life style is a precursor to falling into the pages of history as a lost government. Or, maybe it is that God has NOT changed his view, even if men have, and it is still a sin, as set out in the Christian and Jewish scriptures. Is it a part of the last days that the ecomonic crises and food shortages and earthquakes of this past 6 months seem to indicate is coming upon the world? Or is it just another indication of change in world leadership?? Food for thought.

[smcarter]

I would like to ask why does it matter if two people of the same gender want to marry? Who cares? Is it better that they live "in sin" or in a committed relationship? Although that questions also is probably irrelevant. Why should I be the judge on what is right or normal.

As long as two consenting adults want to get married and there is not a question of incest, who am I to get in their way.

We have open marriages, which I personally disapprove of, but I would not make that illegal either.

Personally, I would like government to get out of the business of marriage and would only sanction civil unions for legal protections. I would then leave it to religion and other non-governmental groups to confer marriage on such a union, if a couple wanted it.

If a couple of either gender wanted to get a divorce, that would be handled pretty much as it is now. It would be up to each religion to decide on the question of ending a marriage.

Of course, I doubt this will happen in my lifetime.

[aabennett-2009]

Homosexuality like every other sexual perversion is a sin against God who created man in his image. It is against God who is the creator and sustainer of life. Following this will lead to destruction. This is an immutable fact which will not bend to the wants of anyone. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the words of Christ will never pass away. The Lord is against homosexuality as any other sin. If men will repent and believe in Christ, forsaking their sin, he will save them. Those who do not repent will be utterly destroyed. If this country will not stand up for what is right and protect future generations then this nation has failed. I do not want to live in a society in which men "marry" men, and I do not want my children growing up in such a country.

[donniedanger]

Homosexuals are incapable of consumating marriage.
I find the "rights" argument pointless and silly.

I am tolerant of homosexuality but not of their political communities'' practices. ie: clean up the parades.

[andor3]

there is simply nothing wrong with two people in love getting married, regardless of their gender, and it is not the place of any human to judge that love or that right to marry.

Any person who feels they need to interfere with the union of loved ones is perverted. Any church or religion that fails to recognize the union is a sham and a lie.

most states already have laws preventing discrimination on gender, so homosexual marriage is already recognized and soon will be no big deal.

[husein_pasha]

They are evil, the lesbians, too

[shockproof-2009]

In Spain gay marriage is legal since 2005 and nothing has change. What is the reason to believe that in the United States will be different? The United States has a problem with civil rights. You can not always legislate from the standpoint of religion.

And still say that this is the "land of free"...

[elbseattle]

It never ceases to amaze me how people who have no experience with being gay themselves seem to think they know everything about it.
I''ve heard people say, ''Pray to the Lord Jesus and he will take away this sick perversion.'' Well, I prayed to the Lord Jesus for years and years, earnestly, fervently, tearfully. Believe me, if there was someone who did not want to be gay it was I. Rather than ''Heal me from being gay!'' my prayer became, ''Help me be who you want me to be.'' And I am, today, a happy, healthy, well-adjusted gay man. I have been with my partner 16 years. Our partnership is based on mutual love, respect and support for one another. We help each other through hard times, we celebrate the good times together. You know, just like a marriage.
I still have yet to see how my relationship with my partner has any bearing on anyone else''s relationship. The way I see it, heterosexuals have done a fine job of destroying marriage all by themselves. This is one you can''t blame on the gay folks.

[cheechpone]

I feel that those with comments invoking religion, while they should be respected as much as others, are simply in the WRONG forum. This is a populace forum, not a church forum. Perhaps if the courts were forcing churches to perform or bless gay marriages, I could understand... but that could never, under our current rule of law. It is called ''separation of church and state''. I''d only ask those invoking religion to abide by the same doctrine and not ask that your religious beliefs be imposed on everyone else. MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH IS FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT FROM MARRIAGE PERFORMED BY THE STATE, AND IT CAN REMAIN THAT WAY FOREVER.

Now, if you are opposed to gay marriage on other merits, social or otherwise, that would be discussion for this forum. So far I have not heard any... only on the merit of religion... WRONG forum.

[freeman99z]

Posted by AABennett at 03:09 PM : Jun 15, 2008
----------------------------------------------------
Homosexuality like every other sexual perversion is a sin against God who created man in his image. It is against God who is the creator and sustainer of life. Following this will lead to destruction. This is an immutable fact which will not bend to the wants of anyone. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the words of Christ will never pass away. The Lord is against homosexuality as any other sin. If men will repent and believe in Christ, forsaking their sin, he will save them. Those who do not repent will be utterly destroyed. If this country will not stand up for what is right and protect future generations then this nation has failed. I do not want to live in a society in which men "marry" men, and I do not want my children growing up in such a country.
----------------------------------------------
So do you also believe eating shellfish is a sin as your bible says? Do you believe witches are evil and should be killed as your bible says? If you want to live in a country run by religion why not move to iran? This is a free country, not a christian country.

[cheechpone]

I feel that those with comments invoking religion, while they should be respected as much as others, are simply in the WRONG forum. This is a populace forum, not a church forum. Perhaps if the courts were forcing churches to perform or bless gay marriages, I could understand... but that could never, under our current rule of law. It is called ''separation of church and state''. I''d only ask those invoking religion to abide by the same doctrine and not ask that your religious beliefs be imposed on everyone else. MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH IS FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT FROM MARRIAGE PERFORMED BY THE STATE, AND IT CAN REMAIN THAT WAY FOREVER.

Now, if you are opposed to gay marriage on other merits, social or otherwise, that would be discussion for this forum. So far I have not heard any... only on the merit of religion... WRONG forum.

[cheechpone]

I feel that those with comments invoking religion, while they should be respected as much as others, are simply in the WRONG forum. This is a populace forum, not a church forum. Perhaps if the courts were forcing churches to perform or bless gay marriages, I could understand... but that could never happen, under our current rule of law. It is called ''separation of church and state''. I''d only ask those invoking religion to abide by the same doctrine and not ask that your religious beliefs be imposed on everyone else. MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH IS FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT FROM MARRIAGE PERFORMED BY THE STATE, AND IT CAN REMAIN THAT WAY FOREVER.

Now, if you are opposed to gay marriage on other merits, social or otherwise, that would be discussion for this forum. So far I have not heard any... only on the merit of religion... WRONG forum.

[cheechpone]

I feel that those with comments invoking religion, while they should be respected as much as others, are simply in the WRONG forum. This is a populace forum, not a church forum. Perhaps if the courts were forcing churches to perform or bless gay marriages, I could understand... but that could never happen, under our current rule of law. It is called ''separation of church and state''. I''d only ask those invoking religion to abide by the same doctrine and not ask that your religious beliefs be imposed on everyone else. MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH IS FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT FROM MARRIAGE PERFORMED BY THE STATE, AND IT CAN REMAIN THAT WAY FOREVER.

Now, if you are opposed to gay marriage on other merits, social or otherwise, that would be discussion for this forum. So far I have not heard any... only on the merit of religion... WRONG forum.

[husein_pasha]

This is not because of the religon, just immoral

[cozzicon]

"Homosexuality like every other sexual perversion is a sin against God who created man in his image. It is against God who is the creator and sustainer of life. Following this will lead to destruction. This is an immutable fact which will not bend to the wants of anyone. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the words of Christ will never pass away. The Lord is against homosexuality as any other sin. If men will repent and believe in Christ, forsaking their sin, he will save them. Those who do not repent will be utterly destroyed. If this country will not stand up for what is right and protect future generations then this nation has failed. I do not want to live in a society in which men "marry" men, and I do not want my children growing up in such a country."-- Posted by AABennett

As a left leaning centrist, I''ve been waiting for this opportunity:

THEN GET OUT!

And while you''re searching for your new home- good luck finding someplace better than the USA.... with or without same gender marriage.

But most of the best places- have already made the change.

[dabsgram]

The bottom line of all of this rhetoric and controversy is: what difference does it make in the end game? My husband and I have been married for 35 years and have no children. If we were of the same ***, where is the difference? The antiquated notion that the only purpose of marriage is to procreate is ludicrous in this day and age. If two people of the same *** love each other and are totally committed to each other, than they should also be allowed to marry if that is their wish. If you are put off by their choices, then maybe you should realize that the basic difference is their *** life. Since I have no interest in knowing the details about anyone else''s *** life, be it straight or gay, it seems to me that this is a moot point. Perhaps we should all stop trying to run others'' lives and concentrate on our own.

[slader99]

WAAH, Im a live-in-the-past Republican with an inability to adjust to anything that veers from what I think should be normal. WAAH. I need to somehow find a brain :)

[slader99]

Oh the times, they are a changin...

:)

[cheechpone]

Immoral? Care to explain?

[husein_pasha]

Immoral, abnormal, anti-human

[slader99]

WAAH, Im a live-in-the-past Republican with an inability to adjust to anything that veers from what I think should be normal. WAAH. I need to somehow find a brain :)

[shockproof-2009]

Is Immoral? I think it''s more immoral that the Government deny marriage to two adults and seniors, who desire legalize his love and life under the protection of the Law.

Greetings!

[slader99]

WAAH, Im a live-in-the-past Republican with an inability to adjust to anything that veers from what I think should be normal. WAAH. I need to somehow find a brain :)

[jamesnphilly]

AABennett, I take great umbrage at your stance and using your god to denounce me and my relationship! I am a Christian, gay male, who belongs to a church that teaches that God loves everyone, not just a select few. Also, the God that I worship blesses the relationship that I''ve been in for five years and would rather me gay then a miserable god hating closet case! But if you must keep spouting such hatred, then I guess you never speak to a woman during her menstrual cycle, because that''s against god%u2019s law. Also, that suite your wearing, made of a cotton/polyester blend must go, because that''s against gods law!! No shell fish or animals with a cloven foot, because that''s against gods law!!! STOP USING YOUR RELIGION AS A JUSTIFICATION FOR MY LIFE!! I don''t practice your brand of "christianity" because of its hatred toward me!!
Also, if you don''t want your children growing up in a country that values the individual against the religious, then, oh I don''t know, move to another country! I hear Iran caters to your views! And its religious laws seem to cater to your backwards views on the world. I''ll even get you a one way ticket, when would you like your flight to be!
NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY BEDROOM AND I''LL STAY OUT OF YOURS!!! Loves, J

[cheechpone]

"Immoral, abnormal, anti-human"

... still no explanation... just disturbing hateful remarks. What is abnormal or anti human about wanting to partake in something most people (myself included) are able to partake in... a marriage in the eyes of the law.

[husein_pasha]

It`s not natural if you want, you can`t have children

[cheechpone]

"It`s not natural if you want, you can`t have children"

Does that mean that a straight man and woman should not be permitted to get married if one, as unfortunate as it may be, cannot have children? What about a paralyzed army vet (the image of a friend of mine just came to mind)? He can''t have children now. Should he not be able to get married?

[cozzicon]

"... still no explanation... just disturbing hateful remarks. What is abnormal or anti human about wanting to partake in something most people (myself included) are able to partake in... a marriage in the eyes of the law."-- Posted by cheechpone

Well, since same gender lovers are actually human, then from a logical standpoint, being against same *** rights is the same thing as being anti-human.

So not only has the poster you are responding to posited a marvelous oxymoron, that poster also appears to be quite confused about who is and who isn''t human.

[husein_pasha]

If they are straight they should be permitted

[cheechpone]

"... still no explanation... just disturbing hateful remarks. What is abnormal or anti human about wanting to partake in something most people (myself included) are able to partake in... a marriage in the eyes of the law."-- Posted by cheechpone

Well, since same gender lovers are actually human, then from a logical standpoint, being against same *** rights is the same thing as being anti-human.

So not only has the poster you are responding to posited a marvelous oxymoron, that poster also appears to be quite confused about who is and who isn''''t human.

I AM NOT SURE HOW YOU HAVE MISREAD MY RESPONSE... BUT YOU DID... IT WAS A RESPONSE TO A FURTHER POST THAT APPARENTLY SAYS ALLOWING SAME *** MARRIAGE IS ABNORMAL, OR ANTI-HUMAN. I AM NOT CONFUSED ABOUT WHO IS HUMAN... YOU ARE CONFUSED ABOUT MY POST. HOPE THIS CLEARS IT UP.

[jamesnphilly]

"It`s not natural if you want, you can`t have children "
Posted by Husein_Pasha at 03:47 PM : Jun 15, 2008

What does this even mean?? Are you saying because gay men can''t have children, they shouldn''t be able to get married? What about the 70 year old woman marrying an 80 year old man! Is she having children, probably not, guess she can''t get married! Oh and what about a sterile man or an unfertile woman, I guess they can''t get married then either! Marriage isn''t about children. Marriage is about two individuals pledging fidelity to each other for the mutual benefit of each other!
Oh, by the way, there was a time that women were seen as property and given away to be married by men to stop wars and for families to step up the proverbial class ladder! Learn your history my friend!

[smirk5]

100 years from now, average people will look back and wonder why the knuckledraggers were afraid of gay marriage just like we look back at the slavery supporters today.

[cheechpone]

"... still no explanation... just disturbing hateful remarks. What is abnormal or anti human about wanting to partake in something most people (myself included) are able to partake in... a marriage in the eyes of the law."-- Posted by cheechpone

NOW I SEE THE POINT OF THE CONFUSION... THIS WAS A QUESTION POSED. I HIT THE PERIOD BUTTON AND SEND. IT IS A QUESTION.

[husein_pasha]

I have learned mine
if you are pederasts-hide somewhere and don`t engage the people with your problems

[cheechpone]

"If they are straight they should be permitted"

Now you are just contradicting yourself. Listen... whether you like it or not, we as a civil society have recognized gay people. You can actually be "homosexual" now according to the law. That means that as a recognized group of people under the law, they cannot be discriminated against. Laws already exist in the workplace against such discrimination... in ALL other areas (you cannot refuse someone their vote because they say the are gay).

How do you explain simply coming down against extending legal rights to marriage to this group then.

[elkc]

It says fifty percent of republicans oppose gay marriage. Well then dosen''t that mean that the other fifty percent must approve some sort of acknowledgement for gay partnerships? 250 years ago you could own slaves, a wife was a man''s property, and a black man couldn''t cross a state line with a white woman. 250 years later, we are still wrangling with race issues, men still consider their women to be possessions (no one will admit to it), and a salt and pepper couple walking in to a resturant can still garner glances. Religion devides countrys and is the single most cause of war. As much as we like to say we have progressed, as long as their is hate and/or non-equal status for any group, we have to admit we haven''t changed much at all.

[trbundro1277]

If they are straight they should be permitted
Posted by Husein_Pasha at 03:57 PM : Jun 15, 2008
*** Anyone should be able to marry anyone! I''m straight, but I would sooner sleep with a skinny guy, rather than a fat girl! If there wasn''t so many fat girls in America these days, maybe gay men wouldn''t want to be with other guys. Most gay men are bisexual. They would chose either a skinny girl or a skinny guy, rather than a fat girl!

[jamesnphilly]

Husein_Pasha, i think you should step away from the computer and stop typing for a while! You are making absolutely no sense and making yourself look like a jack ***! Let adults discuss this topic and go play somewhere where you don''t need to type! Thanks..