---
title: "Gay Marriage Opinion and Religion"
description: "More than a third of Americans cite religion as the top influence on their view of gay marriage."
date: "2010-09-29"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2010/09/29/gay-marriage-opinion-and-religion/"
---

# Gay Marriage Opinion and Religion

Very few cite religion as a top influence on their opinion of most political issues, including immigration, the environment and poverty. On gay marriage, however, religion still plays a very significant role with many Americans. More than a third (35%) cite religion as the top influence on their view of gay marriage. Opponents of gay marriage (60%) are far more likely than supporters (5%) to say religion is the most important factor in their opinion. In contrast, among those who say education, views of friends and family or a personal experience is the most important influence on the issue, fully 66% support gay marriage. Overall, 41% of Americans say they favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally while 48% are opposed. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1733/religious-beliefs-political-views-gay-marriage-abortion-immigration-environment-poverty)