Executive Summary
This research brief uses data from multiple national surveys and well-established statistical methods to estimate public opinion about marriages for same-sex couples for each state in the United States.
Main Findings
- Since 2004, public support for marriage for same-sex couples has increased in every state in the U.S. with an average increase of 2.6% per year.
- Public support for marriage for same-sex couples has increased more rapidly since 2012. On average since 2012, states increased their support by 6.2% a year.
- Since 2014, the most rapid rate of increase in support for marriage for same-sex couples occurred primarily in states that presently recognize same-sex marriage. Indeed, legal recognition of marriage for same-sex couples has been followed by more rapid increases in public support.
- If current trends continue, by 2016 public support for marriage for same-sex couples will be at 40% or higher in every state, with 6 states above 45% and the remaining states between 50-85% support.