A Pew Forum Fact Sheet
The Pew Research Center has tracked public opinion on gay marriage as it has fluctuated over the past several years. Following is an excerpt from a June 2006 survey analysis by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, followed by links to earlier surveys that include analyses of public opinion along religious lines.
June 2006: Support for Gay Marriage Declines; Opponents Place Higher Priority on the Issue View the survey report, including links to topline & methodology (June 27, 2006)
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When it comes to gay marriage, people on different sides of the issue place different priority on it. Those opposing gay marriage assigned it greater importance, with nearly half (45%) calling it a very important issue. Supporters of gay marriage place less priority on it, with just 27% saying it is very important.
Overall support for allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally has declined significantly since March. In the current poll, 33% favor gay marriage and 55% are opposed; four months ago, 39% were in favor and 51% opposed. Opponents of gay marriage were also asked if they thought a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage is a good or bad idea; of the total sample, 33% said it was a good idea and 19% said it was a bad idea.
March 2006: Less Opposition to Gay Marriage View the survey report, including links to topline & methodology (March 22, 2006)
July 2005: Support for Marriage Amendment Tepid Among Evangelicals, Weak Among Other Groups View the survey report, including links to topline & methodology (August 3, 2005)