By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A new report based on a recent national survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life finds that while increasing numbers of Americans say they favor civil unions for same-sex couples, the majority remain opposed to same-sex marriage and homosexuality in general.
The poll, conducted among 4,013 adults on Aug. 11-27, found a slight uptick in the number of Americans who say they favor civil unions. However, 53 percent oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry, compared with only 39 percent who support same-sex marriage. These numbers are virtually unchanged from a year ago.
The poll also found that half of the public (49%) believe homosexual behavior is morally wrong, with only 9 percent saying it is morally acceptable and 35 percent saying it is not a moral issue.
Those who say it is morally wrong are significantly less supportive of same-sex marriage and civil unions.
People who support same-sex marriage are divided over how to best pursue its legalization. Forty-five percent favor pushing hard to legalize it as soon as possible, while 42 percent fear a creating a backlash if legalization of same-sex marriage is pressed too hard at the current time.
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