New poll tracks increasing support for the freedom to marry in North Carolina
April 10, 2014
Today, just one day after the American Civil Liberties Union filed a new lawsuit seeking respect for three same-sex couples' marriages in North Carolina, new polling from Public Policy Polling demonstrates that support for marriage is higher than ever in the state.
A wide majority - 62% - of North Carolinans say that same-sex couples should be able to attain some legal respect, whether that is marriage, civil union or domestic partnership. Only 34% of residents in the state oppose any form of legal protection for same-sex couples - and even among Republicans, 50% are supportive of allowing gay couples to attain legal respect. North Carolina's Amendment 1, passed in May 2012, constitutionally prohibits any and all protections for same-sex couples.
When voters were asked about support for marriage, 40% said they were supportive, with 53% opposed, just a 13-point gap. Two years ago, when Amendment 1 was approved, voters were divided by 22 points. This shift in public opinion represents the growing support for marriage in every corner of the country, demonstrating that when Americans are given time to reflect on why marriage matters, they come to only one conclusion: that all people should have the freedom to marry the person they love.
Tellingly, a massive 62% of voters under 30 in North Carolina said they support marriage for all.
Just a few weeks ago, a national Washington Post-ABC News poll tracked support for marriage in the Southern region of the United States at a solid 50%.
Through Southerners for the Freedom to Marry, we have worked to amplify this support and continue making the case - alongside more than a dozen state and regional partner organizations, including NC-based Campaign for Southern Equality and Equality North Carolina - that America is ready for marriage.