Wed. December 5, 2012
Chicago, IL -
A new poll released Wednesday shows Illinois voters could be next in line to approve same-sex marriage. According to the poll run by Public Policy Polling, Illinois voters think same-sex marriage should be allowed by a 47/42 margin.
Public Policy Polling (PPP) surveyed 500 Illinois voters from November 26 to 28.
"This poll demonstrates the continued and steady support for equal marriage in Illinois," stated Rick Garcia, Director of the Equal Marriage Illinois Project. "The advocacy and education work we have been doing in all communities across the state continues to pay off."
Although there's only narrow overall support for same-sex marriage, the numbers are 58 percent for and 37 percent against among Illinois voters under 45. Gay rights advocates believe its just a matter of time before same-sex marriage is approved given the big generational divide on the issue.
"Illinoisans under 45 are even more supportive which shows that gay marriage is only a matter of time, although I think it will be sooner rather than later," said Garcia.
70 percent of Hispanics were for and 23 percent were not. Among African Americans, 60 percent were for it and 16 percent were against.
"The support among African Americans and Hispanics is staggering," said Anthony Martinez, Executive Director of The Civil Rights Agenda. "That result shows that the stereotype that people of color do not support the rights of gay and lesbian people is false, and we continue to see that as we work within those communities."
A new Gallup poll released Wednesday also shows national support for marriage equality has reached an all-time high, with 53 percent of Americans in support.
Nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage with only three of the states - Maine, Maryland and Washington - approving same-sex marriage through popular vote.
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