Gallup’s latest polling data reveals that support for same-sex marriage in the United States remains robust at 69%, though it has slightly decreased from the record high of 71% in 2022 and 2023. Notably, Republican support has seen a significant decline, falling to 46% this year from 55% in 2022. In contrast, Democratic support for same-sex marriage stands at 83%, down from a peak of 87% in 2022, while support among independents is 74%, a decrease from 77% last year. Gallup attributes the slowed increase in public support to a leveling off among Democrats and independents, and a slight dip among Republicans.
When Gallup began tracking public opinion on same-sex marriage in 1996, only 27% of Americans believed that same-sex couples should have the right to marry. This figure saw a substantial increase following the Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. By 2016, support had risen to 61% and has not dipped below that level since.
Partisan Divide on Marriage Equality
The Gallup data highlights a persistent partisan divide in support for same-sex marriage, with Republican support averaging 30 points lower than that among Democrats. This year, 83% of Democrats support same-sex marriage, compared to 46% of Republicans. Independents show 74% support, indicating a more moderate stance between the two major parties.
The decline in support among Republicans is particularly noteworthy as it reflects broader political and cultural shifts within the party. While same-sex marriage has become increasingly accepted across much of the political spectrum, Republican resistance remains significant.
Views on Morality of Same-Sex Relations
In addition to views on marriage, Gallup’s Values and Beliefs survey also examined Americans’ opinions on the morality of same-sex relations. This year, 64% of Americans view same-sex relations as morally acceptable, a decrease from 71% in 2022. Among Democrats, 81% believe same-sex relations are morally acceptable, compared to 68% of independents and 40% of Republicans.
Gallup’s report underscores that while long-term trends show increased acceptance of same-sex marriage and relations across all party groups, recent years have seen a stabilization or decline in this support. The findings suggest that despite significant progress over the past few decades, partisan divisions continue to influence public opinion on LGBTQ issues.