Politics & Government

Poll: Majority of New Jersey Voters Support Same-Sex Marriage

Voters agree with the governor's decision to drop his appeal.

A majority of voters in New Jersey agree with Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to drop his appeal of the ruling that paved the way for same-sex marriage to begin in the state on Monday, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton poll released Monday afternoon.

Fifty-three percent of those pulled side with the governor’s decision, while 40 percent support the appeal. Overall, 61 percent of those polled support the legalization of same-sex marriage, while 27 percent oppose it and 12 percent remain unsure.

Yet 62 percent of respondents believe voters should have the opportunity to vote on the issue, while 23 percent say the courts should make the decision and 10 percent feel the legislature should have the final say.

"This apparent contradiction occurs partly because 81 percent of those who oppose same-sex marriage want it left to voters, while proponents are far less likely to say voters need to make the decision," David Redlawsk, director of the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll and professor of political science at Rutgers, said in a press release. "A majority may like the outcome of the court ruling, but any time voters are asked if they should get a chance to decide an issue, they are very likely to say yes."

Those who support same-sex marriage think the federal government should make the decision on the issue, with 47 percent of those polled responding that way. Opponents feel the state should make the decision, with 44 percent of total respondents providing that answer, according to pollsters. Ten percent remain unsure.

Most voters don’t see same-sex marriage as a top issue, according to the poll. Thirty-seven percent of all respondents say it is not important at all, while 36 percent see it as somewhat important and 25 percent label it their most important issue.

Thirty-one percent of supporters place it among the most important issues, while 24 percent of opponents place it among their top priorities for the state.

Those with a gay or lesbian family member (36 percent) or friend (31 percent) are more likely than most to say same-sex marriage is one of their most important issues, according to pollsters.

Forty-nine percent of Republicans polled are in favor of same-sex marriage, while 37 percent remain opposed and 13 percent are undecided. However, those who simply label themselves conservative oppose same-sex marriage by a 19-point margin.

Seventy-one percent of Democrats and 58 percent of independents support same-sex marriage.


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