---
title: "Changing Attitudes on Same Sex Marriage, Gay Friends and Family"
description: "As support for gay marriage continues to grow, 72% of Americans say that legal recognition of same-sex marriage is “inevitable.” This includes 85% of gay marriage supporters, as well as 59% of its opponents. The new survey by the Pew Research Center finds that, for the first time, just over half (51%) the public favors […]"
date: "2013-06-06"
authors:
  - name: "Michael Piccorossi"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2013/06/06/changing-attitudes-on-same-sex-marriage-gay-friends-and-family/"
categories:
  - "Family & Relationships"
  - "Friendships"
  - "Same-Sex Marriage"
  - "Same-Sex Marriage"
---

# Changing Attitudes on Same Sex Marriage, Gay Friends and Family

As support for gay marriage continues to grow, 72% of Americans say that legal recognition of same-sex marriage is “inevitable.” This includes 85% of gay marriage supporters, as well as 59% of its opponents. The [new survey by the Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/in-gay-marriage-debate-both-supporters-and-opponents-see-legal-recognition-as-inevitable/) finds that, for the first time, just over half (51%) the public favors same-sex marriage, while 42% are opposed. Since the early 1990s, the number of people who know gays or lesbians has risen dramatically, and having a gay acquaintance is associated with support for gay marriage. Yet opposition to gay marriage remains substantial, and [religious beliefs are a major factor in opposition](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2013/06/06/section-3-religious-belief-and-views-of-homosexuality/). For instance, those who view homosexual behavior as a sin – 45% of the public – overwhelmingly oppose gay marriage, as do those who see a major conflict between homosexuality and their own religious beliefs.

[![PP_13.06.06_gayMarriage-Info](https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2013/06/PP_13.06.06_gayMarriage-Info.png)](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2013/06/06/in-gay-marriage-debate-both-supporters-and-opponents-see-legal-recognition-as-inevitable/)

More from the Pew Research Series: [LGBT in Changing Times](https://www.pewresearch.org/packages/lgbt-in-changing-times/)