Fewer than half of Americans oppose gay marriage, poll finds

(CNN) -- Fewer than half of Americans oppose legalized same-sex marriage, according to a new poll on the issue released Wednesday, with significant shifts in public opinion on the issue just since last year.

More Americans continue to oppose gay marriage than support it, according to the poll, which was released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center. But for the first time since Pew starting asking about same sex marriage 15 years ago, fewer than half of those polled said they oppose legalizing the institution.

The poll revealed other firsts. For the first time since Pew began asking about the issue, more white mainline Protestants and white Catholics favor gay marriage than oppose it.

"The shift in opinion on same-sex marriage has been broad-based, occurring across many demographic, political and religious groups," Pew's polling analysis said.

Click to expand...

Your Star said:

There is really no logical reason to oppose SSM. And it seems like the majority of the 30 under crowd is in favor of legalizing it.(Would love to see a poll on that) It'll happen sooner or later, I just hope it's sooner.

Click to expand...

chevydriver1123 said:

The reasons Ive gotten have been that Im a communist, Obamabot, illegal.

Click to expand...

Jetboogieman said:

Who cares if its two dudes? Doesn't effect you. So relax.

Click to expand...