Opposition to gay ‘marriage,’ civil unions rising

NASHVILLE — Opposition to both gay “marriage” and same-sex civil unions is on the rise, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.

The survey of 1,010 adults shows that by a margin of 57–32 percent, Americans oppose allowing homosexual couples to “marry.”

The last time opposition was this high and support this low was in December 2004, when Americans opposed gay “marriage” by a margin of 61–32 percent.

Back-to-back Pew polls in July 2005 and March 2006 showed opposition to such “marriages” at only 53 percent and 51 percent, respectively.

Since then, opposition in four new polls has stood at 55, 56, 55 and now 57 percent.

In the current poll, 38 percent “strongly” oppose gay “marriage” while only 12 percent “strongly” favor it. The poll was conducted in February and March, and released July 1.