New poll shows that 59 percent of Americans oppose DOMA

February 19, 2013

A new poll demonstrates that a large majority of Americans are opposed to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, the law that prohibits federal respect for lawful marriages between same-sex couples. The survey, released today by the Center for American Progress and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, indicated that nearly 1 in 6 respondents - 59 percent - oppose DOMA's Section 3, which requires that the federal government discriminate against legal marriages between same-sex couples. 

The poll, conducted by Goodwin Simon Strategic Research and Voter Consumer Research, also asked respondents whether they agreed with the statement that "it is discrimination for the federal government to deny marriage protections and benefits to legally married same-sex couples." Sixty-two percent of respondents agreed with thist statement. 

It also asked respondents about specific protections that DOMA currently prohibits same-sex couples from asking, including family and medical leave, survivor benefits if a spouse is killed in the line of duty, and shared health coverage. Seventy-one percent, 70 percent, and 69 percent, respectively, agreed that same-sex couples should have access to those federal protections. Check out an infographic by the Center for American Progress HERE for more on the poll. 

Next month, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Windsor v. United States, which challenges the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. The oral arguments are scheduled for March 27, and a ruling is expected by June 2013. 

Learn more about DOMA here, and see more recent polling on the freedom to marry here.