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New Survey Says 54% of Voters Against Prop. 8

A new California poll on voter attitudes has turned up lucky numbers for gays and a slap for conservative opponents. Conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, this statewide survey shows that 54% of likely voters are opposed to Proposition 8, which would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to wed.
An Advocate.com exclusive posted August 28, 2008
New Survey Says 54% of Voters Against Prop. 8

A new California poll on voter attitudes has turned up lucky numbers for gays and a slap for conservative opponents. Conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, this statewide survey shows that 54% of likely voters are opposed to Proposition 8, which would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to wed.

A Field Poll just three months ago found a hair-thin majority of Californians, 51%, in favor of same-sex marriage. That’s a big jump in our favor.

Or is it? 

Released on August 27, the PPIC sampling shows general voter attitudes still neck and neck concerning same-sex marriage itself, with 47% for it, 47% against. 

So how come Prop. 8’s not more popular? 

Mark Baldassare, president and CEO of the nonprofit PPIC, broke down the numbers for The Advocate. 

“As always, things are complicated with public opinion,” Baldassare explained. “If we compare general attitudes toward same-sex marriage today and in 2000, we’re in a very different state of mind on the topic.” 

While most Californians opposed same-sex marriage then, they’re evenly divided now. 

“This general attitude of the public that we’ve seen has been pretty consistent over the past three years,” he added. 

But the difference might just be in one phrase: eliminates right. 

Page: 1 | 2
Keywords:  California marriage 
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Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Darla Dee
    Date posted: 2008-10-31 1:38 PM
    Hometown: Winnetka

    Comment:

    I think love is love. I'm a Christian and believe in God and his commandments. But there are wayyyyyy to many people in the world who are in love with people of the same sex. I don't believe it's right for the straight people to destroy the hopes, wishes, and goals of countless millions just because we don't agree with it. I still can't believe in this day and age people are so prejudice. Years ago, woman and black people had next to no rights. It's gotten so much better for woman, even in the work place. A black man is running for President. I think it's great! Let's leave the remainder of the prejudice behind and leave the gay and lesbian people alone. They want what any straight person wants, to love and be loved, and the right to marry if they so choose. Do onto others as you would want them to do unto you. I just can't seem to cast the first stone. A BIG NO ON PROP 8


  • Name: Patrick
    Date posted: 2008-09-06 7:05 PM
    Hometown: Turlock, CA

    Comment:

    Do the supporters of Prop. 8 (the ones who want to redefine marriage) have a plan in place for Nov. 5 after Prop. 8 has been defeated? Will "the will of the people" suddenly become unimportant to them? Will they still scream about 2000 and whine "but this is DIFFERENT!!!" ? I live in the Central Valley ("the Oklahoma of California") - I'll ask around and find out. :)


  • Name: Dinei
    Date posted: 2008-08-29 3:25 PM
    Hometown: San Francisco

    Comment:

    This still an uphill battle. We must talk to every single registered voter we know. When we put a face on this issue, most fair minded people are touched by the unfairness of Prop 8. Get the word out brothers and sisters! YES, WE CAN!!!


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