POLL SHOWS SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE

[Mari333]

this is fantastic

From NBC's Harry Enten
For the first time in a nationwide survey, more Americans say they support gay marriage (49%) than oppose it (46%), according to the latest Washington Post/ABC poll.

That 49% supporting gay marriage, in fact, is a significant jump from 2004, when the Post/ABC poll found just 32% in favor.

This surge within the past month suggests that any backlash against the recent moves across the country to legalize gay marriage has yet to emerge.

Also in the new survey, a majority of Americans (53%) believe that their state should recognize gay marriages from other states.









http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/04/30/1917511.aspx

[WillParkinson]

1. Sadly...

There is a difference between saying you support it and actually voting should it ever come to that. The bigots win because they'll turn out en masse. The supporters? Not so much, it seems.

[Bluebear]

2. That's why it has to be stressed that this is not an issue to vote on.

Civil rights are never to be voted upon, despite the right wing's attack on "activist judges".

[Mari333]

3. agreed. mob rule.

But I am encouraged to see this poll. Looks like the NOM ads backfired on them.

[Skinner]

7. I'm not so sure that's the case.

I could be wrong, but my hunch is that most of the people who voted for Prop 8 hadn't ever spent much time or effort REALLY thinking about gay marriage before they cast their vote. It seems to me that, sadly, the REAL conversation about gay marriage didn't begin until after Prop 8 already passed. Instead of being misled by disingenuous scaremongering TV ads, people saw the protests and heard their friends (gay and straight) explaining why they opposed Prop 8. And when they had an opportunity to REALLY think about it, many people realized that there really isn't anything to fear.

Meanwhile, even while California took a step backward, more states are moving forward: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont. (In Vermont, the state legislature actually did it -- a historic first.)

In other words: I think public opinion has moved in our direction in the few short months since the election. (The poll referenced in the OP seems to confirm that.)

And keep in mind: Not all states give voters the ability make policy directly by voting on referendums. Even if voters get it wrong, the Courts, and (increasingly) state legislatures can get it right. The fact that 50 percent of Americans now support gay marriage means that elected officials who support it are less likely to be concerned about voter backlash. Even among voters who oppose it, it is only one issue among many.

The trend on this issue is clear. We can see how how this is going to end. The issue is no longer if -- it's when.

[WillParkinson]

9. Isn't anything to fear...

I'll not hold my breath on that. When the new referendum is put before voters I'll give it more consideration, but until that time I won't trust that truth has won out over ignorance just yet.

And you're right. It is no longer a matter of if. And I will admit that the 'when' is starting much sooner than I thought it could.

[janx]

10. No doubt!

You're right!


:hug:

[Mari333]

11. So Prop 8 actually ended up creating a concious awareness

That didnt exist before..I agree with everything you said..good call
yes, its WHEN.

[BlooInBloo]

4. It's only a race to see who will be the last state to legalize it.

[Mari333]

6. well everyone guess which state that will be

I guess : Utah

[BlooInBloo]

8. I say Alabama. Your choice is solid, however.

[stillcool]

5. looks like the Northeast is going..

to be sewn up. Isn't New York coming up soon?

[anonymous171]

12. WOOT! nt