Is marriage becoming less of a political wedge issue?

In the wake of the marriage victory in New York and six national polls saying a majority of Americans favor the freedom to marry, the issue is also gaining ground among political insiders.

From the National Journal:

Democratic political operatives overwhelmingly say the time has come for gay marriage, while a majority of Republicans now believe they should just avoid this issue, according to this week's National Journal Political Insiders Poll. Both positions represent significant gains for gay marriage compared to two years ago, when the same question was asked in the wake of the Iowa Supreme Court's decision legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.

Eighty four percent of Democratic insiders polled say that the Democratic Party should support the freedom to marry. Fifty six percent of Republican insiders believe the Republican Party should avoid the issue.  The view from Republican operatives is a big shift from a similar poll in 2009 when fifty percent of Republican insiders believed the GOP should oppose the freedom to marry.

One point noticed by strategists from both parties is that young voters overwhelmingly support ending marriage discrimination. And, as young voters take on a more prominent electoral role, marriage can be an issue used to woo young voters.

We can continue to grow and broaden support for the freedom to marry by talking to friends, family, and elected officials about why marriage matters to same-sex couples and their families.


Email Freedom to Marry’s Field Director Regina Clemente at regina@freedomtomarry.org for assistance setting up an in-district visit with your member of Congress.