CNN Polls Show Dramatic Shift Towards Equality

The latest CNN poll confirms again that marriage equality is a majority position in the United States, with the results of the May 29-31, 2012 poll revealing that 54% support it while 42% oppose. The precise question CNN has been asking for years is "Do you think marriages between gay and lesbian couples should or should not be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?" and the above graphic demonstrates the clear trend in favor of full LGBT equality, thwarting the hopes of heterosexual supremacists.

CNN reports:

"Attitudes toward sexual orientation have also changed over that same time period," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "In 1998, a majority believed that someone who is gay or lesbian could change their sexual orientation if they choose to do so. Today, only a third feel that way, and the number who say that gays and lesbians cannot change their orientation is almost six in ten. Those shifts probably explain the growing acceptance of same-sex marriage."

According to the survey, 54% now say that marriages between gay and lesbian couples should be recognized as valid by law, with 42% opposed. Sentiment is strong on both sides of the debate, with more than three-quarters of supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage saying that they feel strongly about that issue.

The poll indicates a partisan divide, with seven in ten Democrats as well as six in ten independent voters saying same-sex marriages should be recognized by the law as valid, and 72% of Republicans opposed. The survey also indicates a generational divide, with nearly two-thirds of those under 50 in favor of legal same sex marriages and 55% of those 50 and older opposed.

This is continuing good news as we celebrate LGBT pride in June 2012!