Polls show growing acceptance of marriage equality

This week several polls were released showing some of the strongest mainstream support yet for same-sex nuptials. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NEW YORK — Despite fears that the president’s backing of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples would produce a backlash, recent polls are showing no slow-down in the growth in acceptance of the nuptials.

An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll shows that the president’s announcement does not affect the vote of 62 percent of respondents, however, 17 percent say they are more likely to vote for him, as opposed to 20 percent who say they are less. Meanwhile 54 percent would back a marriage law in their state for same-sex couples.

The NBC/Wall Street Journal poll is supported by a similar poll this week released by ABC/Washington Post that showed the greatest gap between those who support same-sex marriage (53 percent) and those who support banning nuptials (47 percent).