report | Jun 6, 2013

In Gay Marriage Debate, Both Supporters and Opponents See Legal Recognition as ’Inevitable’

Overview As support for gay marriage continues to increase, nearly three-quarters of Americans – 72% – 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 national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted May 1-5 among 1,504 adults, finds that […]

report | May 23, 2013

Broad Support for Renewed Background Checks Bill, Skepticism about Its Chances

Overview Following the Senate’s rejection of gun legislation last month, the public continues to overwhelmingly favor making private gun sales and sales at gun shows subject to background checks. Nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) say that if the Senate bill is reintroduced, Congress should pass it. However, even gun control advocates are pessimistic that new […]

report | May 9, 2013

Most Say Immigration Policy Needs Big Changes

Overview Americans overwhelmingly say the nation’s immigration policy is in need of sweeping changes. Overall, 75% say immigration policy needs at least major changes, with 35% saying it needs to be “completely rebuilt”—among the highest of seven policy areas tested. Yet the broad public agreement that immigration policy should be revamped is not matched by […]

report | May 8, 2013

Obama Maintains Approval Advantage, but GOP Runs Even on Key Issues

Overview President Obama continues to hold a substantial advantage over congressional Republicans in public regard. Obama’s job approval is back in positive territory at 51%, after slipping to 47% in March. By comparison, just 22% approve of the job Republican leaders in Congress are doing, among the lowest approval rating for congressional leaders from either […]

report | May 7, 2013

After Boston, Little Change in Views of Islam and Violence

Overview The public’s views of whether Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence have changed little in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. Currently, 42% say Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence among its believers, while 46% say Islam does not encourage violence more than other religions. […]

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