A CNN/Opinion Research poll released yesterday shows, for the first time, that a majority of Americans now favor legally recognized gay marriage. While polling has been trending in this direction for years, this is the first poll to show a majority favoring marriage equity.
The poll itself was produced by splitting the sample group roughly in two and employing two separate interview procedures, Version A and Version B. The half interviewed using Version A came out very slightly opposed to gay marriage, 51-49%. Those interviewed using Version B were more decisive, 52-46% in support of gay marriage.
The base question was subtly different for each group:
The Version A group was asked whether they believed gay and lesbian couples had a constitutional right to marry. The Version B group was asked whether gay and lesbian couples should have a constitutonal right to marry.
Margin of error is +/- 4.5%. When the two groups are merged, the results fall within the margin of error but show a net favorability for gay marriage. The poll is here. The pertinent questions are 37 and 37A.
Thanks to commenter roro80 for pointing out a flaw in the original post.
Cross posted at Elijah’s Sweete Spot.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.