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Majority In New Jersey Support Gay Marriage

http://www.365gay.com/NewsContent/072803JerseyMarriagePoll.htm

Majority In New Jersey Support Gay Marriage
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff



Posted: July 28, 2003 6:11 p.m. ET


(New York City) A poll released Monday shows that a majority of people in New Jersey believe gays and lesbians should have the right to marry. It is the first time in the US that a poll has indicated majority support for gay marriage.

The survey, taken by the Zogby International polling company was commissioned by four New Jersey PFLAG chapters.

55 percent of more than 800 likely voters said the state’s ban on same-sex marriage should be abolished. Only 41 percent said it should be retained.

The poll showed that while there was overall support throughout the state for same-sex marriage the most positive opinions came from the southern part of the state.

Sixty percent of those polled in South Jersey support gay marriage, as opposed to 53 percent of North Jerseyans and 52 percent of those who live in Central Jersey.

Seven New Jersey couples denied marriage licenses are currently suing the state in a case likely to go to the New Jersey Supreme Court and possibly to the US Supreme Court.

The Zogby poll released Monday is the latest in a series of surveys on American attitudes toward same-sex couples. Earlier this month two national polls indicated that opposition to gay marriage is softening, although most Americans still believe same-sex couples should be barred from marriage. (story)

Laura Pople, the president of the New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition, said she isn't surprised that New Jersey is the first state to overwhelmingly support gay marriage.

"New Jersey has been on the forefront of the gay community's efforts to achieve equality for decades," Pople told a news conference.

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