3-20-13 #2
The long-term shift in the public’s views about same-sex marriage is unambiguous. Polling conducted in 2003 found most Americans (58%) opposed to allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, and just a third (33%) in favor. The new survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted March 13-17, 2013 among 1,501 adults nationwide, confirms that these figures have crossed, with 49% supporting same-sex marriage, and 44% opposed.
To better understand this change, the new survey asked supporters of same-sex marriage if they have always held this view or if they have changed their mind on this issue. More than a quarter of same-sex marriage proponents (28%) say their views have changed. This represents 14% of the American public overall. By comparison, virtually everyone who opposes same-sex marriage – 41% out of 44% – say they have always been against it.
One Minds cin- Seven Have of Gay Changed Marriage Their  | One Minds cin- in Seven Support Have of Gay Changed Marriage Their  | Always  | Changed  | favored  | mind  | Favor  | 33  | 49  | 14  | opposed Always  | Changed  | opposed Always  | mind  | 44  | Oppose  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER March 13-17, 2013, Q62-63 