A new Gallup poll reveals that support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. has declined slightly to 65%, down from 71% in 2022 and 2023. The shift is primarily driven by Republicans, with only 37% now supporting legal same-sex marriage, compared to 55% in 2021-2022. Independents also saw a decline to 67%, while Democrats remained steady at 87%.
The poll, conducted in May, also found that 62% of Americans view gay and lesbian relationships as morally acceptable, down from 71% in 2022. Acceptance of gender transition has dropped even further, with only 38% now considering it morally acceptable, down from 46% in 2021.
Partisan Divide Deepens
The widening gap in opinions reflects broader policy debates around LGBTQ+ rights, particularly regarding transgender issues. Some states have pushed for bans on same-sex marriage, while others have expanded protections. The decline in support comes after decades of rising acceptance, with only 27% of Americans supporting same-sex marriage in 1996 and 70% in recent years.
Historical Context
Gallup’s data shows that moral acceptance of same-sex relationships has fluctuated over time. In 2001, only 40% of Americans found such relationships acceptable, but that number rose steadily until recent years. The current decline marks the first significant drop in support since the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.