(Image source: OCWeekly )


BY VERONICA POLIVANAYA
 

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS


A new poll shows Americans are almost evenly split on the issue of gay marriage. An anchor with WNYW has the details.

 

“The Gallup poll finds 50 percent believe it should be legal while 48 percent think it should not be allowed.”

The finding marked the second time in Gallup’s history that at least half supported same-sex marriage. The poll revealed a dip in support from 2011, when 53 percent were in favor. The results come on the heels of Vice President Joe Biden’s remarks on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday.

JOE BIDEN: “I am absolutely comfortable with the fact that men marrying men, women marrying women and heterosexual men and women marrying another are entitled to the same exact rights.”

The next day President Obama’s education secretary endorsed marriage equality, becoming the third cabinet member to publicly declare a stance on the issue. The president himself is in favor of same sex civil unions but hasn’t declared support for marriage rights. The New York Times editorial page staff urges the president to pick a side.

 

“By failing to go the next step and actually say that he supports the freedom to marry as Mr. Biden does and as polls show nearly a majority of Americans do, Mr. Obama risks dampening the enthusiasm of allies without gaining the support of equality’s opponents.”  

But an opinion blogger for the Washington Post says the decision may be out of the president’s hands.

GREG SARGENT: “Several people close to the White House said the episode has exposed internal tensions within Obama’s team between those who want the president to say he favors same-sex marriage before the November election and others who worry about a political backlash if he does.”

An MSNBC contributor says Obama has already done more for gay and lesbian Americans than any president in history—employing openly gay elected officials and repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, for instance.  

KELI GOFF: "Is there room for him to evolve? Absolutely. But he’s not the only one who has room to improve when it comes to tolerance.”

Opinions on the gay marriage issue have certainly changed in the last 15 years.  When Gallup first asked the question in 1996, 27 percent supported it, while 68 were opposed.