Virginians Move From Nixing to OKing Same-Sex Marriage

Virginians, who gave 57 percent approval to amend their state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, now favor the practice by a narrow margin, The Washington Post reported.

A new Post poll shows that 47 percent now say gays should be allowed to marry, while 43 percent remain opposed. In 2006, voters approved a referendum to ban same-sex marriage. The Post poll also showed that 57 percent approve of gays’ adopting children.

Nearly three-fourths of those 18 to 29 support gay marriage, while only 22 percent of those 65 or older agree. Those 30 to 65 support gay marriage 44 to 43 percent. Exit polling in 2006 showed that a majority of voters in all age groups supported the amendment, the Post reported.


Democrats and independents support same-sex marriage by 56 and 53 percent, respectively, while Republicans oppose it by 60 percent. Virginia’s shift is similar to that nationwide. In 2006, about 60 percent opposed gay marriage but a Post-ABC News poll in March showed support for same-sex marriage at 53 percent, the Post reported.