56% of N.Y. Voters Want Marriage Equality

A majority of New Yorkers say they would support legislation to legalize marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll.

The recent poll, with 56% of New Yorkers in support of marriage equality in their state, shows a five-point increase in support since a June 23, 2009, poll. Fifty-four percent of upstate voters approve of gay marriage, which is on par with those living in New York City, with 55% of that population in support.

"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%," Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, said in a statement Thursday.