Some welcome good news, which I learned from Jeremy Hooper this morning:
By the highest margin ever, 56 - 37 percent, New York State voters support legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.More from Quinnipiac:
This compares to 51 - 41 percent support, the previous high, measured in a June 23, 2009 survey, by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University.The Assembly has already voted, twice, to approve marriage. A vote in the then-Democratic-led State Senate failed on December 2, 2009, by a vote of 38 - 24. The GOP now controls the Senate.
In today's survey, support for gay marriage is 69 - 25 percent among Democrats and 55 - 39 percent among independent voters. Republicans are opposed 52 - 41 percent. Men back gay marriage 54 - 40 percent and women support it 58 - 34 percent. Support is highest among suburban voters, 61 - 33 percent. New York City voters support gay marriage 55 - 37 percent and upstate voters support it 54 - 39 percent.
Marriage is going to happen in New York. Public support continues to grow. Check out his comment from director of Quinnipiac's Polling Institute, Maurice Carroll:
"New York State voter attitudes about gay marriage have shifted dramatically since April 15, 2004, when Quinnipiac University first asked about gay marriage and found voters opposed the measure 55 - 37 percent."In just seven years, we're seeing the complete opposite.
The GOP leaders in the State Senate can thwart progress -- or they can get the issue off the table by holding a vote and letting the marriage bill pass this year.
As I was told in October by a politician who is evolving on the marriage issue:
The one thing I will say today is I think it’s pretty clear where the trendlines are going.In New York, the trendline is all ours. Now, we need politicians to catch up.
