50% of Marylanders support marriage equality, but support varies...
Half of Maryland residents back legalizing same-sex marriage
By John Wagner and Peyton M. Craighill, Monday, January 30, 3:51 PM
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Overall, the Post poll found that 50 percent of Marylanders support allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry while 44 percent are opposed.
The new poll found a sharp divide among Maryland Democrats based on race. Among whites, 71 percent support same-sex marriage, while 24 percent do not. Among blacks, 41 percent are supportive, while 53 percent are opposed. Maryland has the largest concentration of African Americans of any state outside of the Deep South.
The poll findings highlight the challenge ahead for Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) as he tries to pass legislation this year in the heavily Democratic General Assembly, where there is a rift within his own party over gay nuptials that mirrors public sentiment.
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In advance of a Senate hearing on the bill, gay-rights supporters are planning a news conference on Tuesday morning with clergy members to show the measure has religious support in the 90-day legislative session.
In recent public appearances, O’Malley has sought to stress that “religious exemptions” included in his bill are intended to reassure religious leaders that they will not be forced to perform same-sex marriages.
Overall, support for same-sex marriage in Maryland has grown steadily since 2004, when a Post poll found only 35 percent in favor, with 58 percent opposed.
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Same-sex marriage is one issue this legislative session on which public sentiment could mean more than most. Advocates on both sides of the issue expect that if a bill passes, opponents will make use of a provision in the Maryland Constitution that allows residents to petition just-passed laws to the ballot.
Those at higher income levels are more likely to be supportive, as are those with more education. Support is more than double among those who identify themselves as “liberal” as those who call themselves “conservative.”
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And support differs considerably by region of the state. In Democratic-leaning Montgomery County, 62 percent say they support same-sex marriage, while 28 do not. In Prince George’s County, 36 percent are supportive, while 59 percent are opposed.
The poll was conducted by telephone Jan. 23-26 among a random sample of 1,064 Maryland adults. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
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Entire article at link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/half-of-maryland-residents-back-legalizing-same-sex-marriage/2012/01/30/gIQAGeJ6cQ_print.html
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As a black woman who is a very strong and enthusiastic supporter of marriage equality, I must say that I am disappointed in my black bretheren. I understand their opposition is based on religious beliefs, but I'm still disappointed. Looks like we still have a long way to go and much work yet to be done.
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