Do you think marriages between same-sex couples should or should not be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?
Trend in which gay marriage question preceded by questions on legality of gay/lesbian rights and relations
Should be valid
Should not be valid
No opinion
%
%
%
2024 May 1-23
69
29
2
2023 May 1-24
71
28
1
2022 May 2-22
71
28
1
2021 May 3-18
70
29
1
2020 May 1-13
67
31
1
2019 May 1-12
63
36
1
2018 May 1-10
67
31
2
2017 May 3-7
64
34
2
2016 May 4-8
61
37
2
2015 Jul 8-12
58
40
2
2015 May 6-10
60
37
3
2014 May 8-11
55
42
3
2013 Jul 10-14
54
43
3
2013 May 2-7
53
45
3
2012 Nov 26-29
53
46
2
2012 May 3-6
50
48
2
2011 Dec 15-18
48
48
4
2011 May 5-8
53
45
3
2010 May 3-6
44
53
3
2009 May 7-10
40
57
3
2008 May 8-11 ^
40
56
4
2007 May 10-13
46
53
1
2006 May 8-11 ^
42
56
2
2005 Aug 22-25
37
59
4
2004 May 2-4
42
55
3
1999 Feb 8-9
35
62
3
1996 Mar 15-17
27
68
5
^ Asked of a half sample; 1996-2005 WORDING: "Do you think marriages between homosexuals ... "
ºÚÁÏÍø
Do you think marriages between same-sex couples should or should not be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?
Trend in which gay marriage question NOT preceded by questions on legality of gay/lesbian rights and relations
Should be valid
Should not be valid
No opinion
%
%
%
2005 Apr 29-May 1
39
56
5
2005 Mar 18-20 ^
28
68
4
2004 Jul 19-21 ^
32
62
6
2004 Mar 5-7
33
61
6
2004 Feb 16-17
32
64
4
2004 Feb 6-8 ^
36
59
5
2003 Dec 15-16
31
65
4
2003 Oct 24-26
35
61
4
2003 Jun 27-29
39
55
6
2000 Jan 13-16
34
62
4
^ Asked of a half sample
ºÚÁÏÍø
Next, I'm going to read you a list of issues. Regardless of whether or not you think it should be legal, for each one, please tell me whether you personally believe that in general it is morally acceptable or morally wrong. How about sex between an unmarried man and woman?
Morally acceptable
Morally wrong
Depends (vol.)
Not a moral issue (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2024 May 1-23
69
28
1
1
1
2023 May 1-24
72
27
1
*
*
2022 May 2-22
76
23
1
*
*
2021 May 3-18
73
26
1
*
*
2020 May 1-13
72
27
1
*
1
2019 May 1-12
71
28
1
*
1
2018 May 1-10
69
28
1
*
1
2017 May 3-7
69
28
1
1
2
2016 May 4-8
67
30
1
1
1
2015 May 6-10
68
29
1
1
2
2014 May 8-11
66
31
1
1
1
2013 May 2-7
63
33
1
1
2
2012 May 3-6
59
38
1
1
2
2011 May 5-8
60
36
1
*
3
2010 May 3-6
59
38
1
1
1
2009 May 7-10
57
40
1
*
1
2008 May 8-11
61
36
1
1
1
2007 May 10-13
59
38
1
1
1
2006 May 8-11
59
37
2
1
1
2005 May 2-5
58
39
2
*
1
2004 May 2-4
60
36
1
1
2
2003 May 5-7
58
41
1
*
*
2002 May 6-9
53
42
2
*
3
2001 May 10-14
53
42
3
1
1
*Less than 0.5%; (vol.) = Volunteered response
ºÚÁÏÍø
Next, I'm going to read you a list of issues. Regardless of whether or not you think it should be legal, for each one, please tell me whether you personally believe that in general it is morally acceptable or morally wrong. How about married men and women having an affair?
Morally acceptable
Morally wrong
Depends (vol.)
Not a moral issue (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2024 May 1-23
11
86
2
*
1
2023 May 1-24
12
85
2
*
1
2022 May 2-22
9
89
2
*
*
2021 May 3-18
10
89
1
*
1
2020 May 1-13
9
89
1
*
1
2019 May 1-12
9
89
1
*
1
2018 May 1-10
10
88
1
--
1
2017 May 3-7
9
88
1
*
1
2016 May 4-8
10
88
1
*
1
2015 May 6-10
8
89
1
*
1
2014 May 8-11
7
91
1
*
1
2013 May 2-7
6
91
2
*
1
2012 May 3-6
7
89
2
*
2
2011 May 5-8
7
91
1
*
1
2010 May 3-6
6
92
1
*
1
2009 May 7-10
6
92
1
1
1
2008 May 8-11
7
91
1
*
1
2007 May 10-13
6
91
2
*
1
2006 May 8-11
4
93
2
*
1
2005 May 2-5
5
93
1
*
1
2004 May 2-4
7
91
1
*
1
2003 May 5-7
6
93
*
*
1
2002 May 6-9
9
87
1
1
2
2001 May 10-14
7
89
3
*
1
*Less than 0.5%; (vol.) = Volunteered response
ºÚÁÏÍø
Next, I'm going to read you a list of issues. Regardless of whether or not you think it should be legal, for each one, please tell me whether you personally believe that in general it is morally acceptable or morally wrong. How about divorce?
Morally acceptable
Morally wrong
Depends (vol.)
Not a moral issue (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2023 May 1-24
78
18
3
*
*
2022 May 2-22
81
13
5
1
2021 May 3-18
79
17
4
*
*
2020 May 1-13
77
18
4
*
*
2019 May 1-12
77
20
2
*
*
2018 May 1-10
76
20
3
*
1
2017 May 3-7
73
20
6
1
*
2016 May 4-8
72
19
7
1
1
2015 May 6-10
71
20
7
*
1
2014 May 8-11
69
22
8
1
1
2013 May 2-7
68
24
6
1
1
2012 May 3-6
67
25
7
1
1
2011 May 5-8
69
23
7
*
1
2010 May 3-6
69
23
7
*
1
2009 May 7-10
62
30
6
*
1
2008 May 8-11
70
22
6
*
1
2007 May 10-13
65
26
8
*
1
2006 May 8-11
67
24
8
1
1
2005 May 2-5
66
27
6
*
1
2004 May 2-4
66
26
6
1
1
2003 May 5-7
66
27
6
*
1
2002 May 6-9
63
28
8
*
1
2001 May 10-14
59
28
12
*
1
*Less than 0.5%; (vol.) = Volunteered response
ºÚÁÏÍø
Next, I'm going to read you a list of issues. Regardless of whether or not you think it should be legal, for each one, please tell me whether you personally believe that in general it is morally acceptable or morally wrong. How about having a baby outside of marriage?
Morally acceptable
Morally wrong
Depends (vol.)
Not a moral issue (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2024 May 1-23
68
28
2
*
2
2023 May 1-24
70
27
1
1
1
2022 May 2-22
70
28
1
*
*
2021 May 3-18
67
32
1
*
*
2020 May 1-13
66
32
2
*
1
2019 May 1-12
64
34
1
*
1
2018 May 1-10
65
32
2
*
2
2017 May 3-7
62
33
3
1
1
2016 May 4-8
62
34
3
1
1
2015 May 6-10
61
35
2
1
1
2014 May 8-11
58
38
2
1
1
2013 May 2-7 ^
60
36
2
1
1
2012 May 3-6
54
42
2
*
1
2011 May 5-8
54
41
2
*
2
2010 May 3-6
54
40
4
*
2
2009 May 7-10
51
45
3
1
1
2008 May 8-11
55
41
2
*
1
2007 May 10-13
54
42
2
1
1
2006 May 8-11
51
43
4
*
1
2005 May 2-5
54
43
2
*
1
2004 May 2-4
49
45
3
1
2
2003 May 5-7
51
46
2
*
1
2002 May 6-9
45
50
3
1
1
2001 May 10-14
59
28
12
*
1
^ Asked of a half sample; *Less than 0.5%; (vol.) = Volunteered response
ºÚÁÏÍø
Next, I'm going to read you a list of issues. Regardless of whether or not you think it should be legal, for each one, please tell me whether you personally believe that in general it is morally acceptable or morally wrong. How about polygamy, when a married person has more than one spouse at the same time?
Morally acceptable
Morally wrong
Depends (vol.)
Not a moral issue (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2024 May 1-23
23
74
1
1
1
2023 May 1-24
23
75
1
1
1
2022 May 2-22
23
75
1
*
*
2021 May 3-18
20
78
1
*
1
2020 May 1-13
20
78
1
*
1
2019 May 1-12
18
80
1
*
1
2018 May 1-10
19
78
1
*
1
2017 May 3-7
17
80
1
1
1
2016 May 4-8
14
82
1
1
2
2015 May 6-10
16
81
1
1
1
2014 May 8-11
14
84
1
*
1
2013 May 2-7
14
83
1
1
1
2012 May 3-6
11
86
2
*
1
2011 May 5-8
11
86
1
*
1
2010 May 3-6 ^
7
90
1
*
1
2009 May 7-10 ^
7
91
1
1
1
2008 May 8-11 ^
8
90
1
*
1
2007 May 10-13 ^
8
90
1
*
*
2006 May 8-11 ^
5
93
1
*
2
2005 May 2-5 ^
6
92
1
*
1
2004 May 2-4 ^
7
91
1
*
1
2003 May 5-7 ^
7
92
1
--
*
^ WORDING: "..when one husband has more than one wife at the same time ; *Less than 0.5%; (vol.) = Volunteered response
ºÚÁÏÍø
Do you approve or disapprove of marriage between Black people and White people?
Approve
Disapprove
No opinion
%
%
%
National adults
2021 Jul 6-21
94
4
2
2013 Jun 13-Jul 5
87
11
2
2011 Aug 4-7
86
11
3
2007 Sep 7-8
79
15
6
2007 Jun 4-24
77
17
6
2004 Jun 9-30
76
19
5
2003 Nov 11-Dec 14
73
23
4
2002 Jun 3-9
65
29
6
1997 Jan 4-Feb 28
64
27
9
1994 Sep 18-20
48
37
15
1991 Jun 13-16
48
42
10
1983 Apr 29-May 2
43
50
7
1978 Jul 21-24 ^
36
54
10
1972 Oct 13-16 ^
29
60
11
1968 Jun 26-Jul 1 ^
20
73
8
1958 Sep 24-29 #
4
94
3
White adults
2013 Jun 13-Jul 5
84
13
2
2011 Aug 4-7
83
14
3
2007 Jun 4-24
75
20
6
2004 Jun 9-30
72
23
5
2003 Nov 11-Dec 14
70
27
3
2002 Jun 3-6
60
33
7
1997 Jan 4-Feb 28
61
30
9
1994 Sep 18-20
45
41
14
1991 Jun 13-16
44
45
11
1983 Apr 29-May 2
38
56
6
1978 Jul 21-24 ^
33
58
9
1972 Oct 13-16 ^
25
65
10
1968 Jun 26-Jul 1 ^
17
75
7
1958 Sep 24-29 #
4
94
3
Black adults
2013 Jun 13-Jul 5
96
3
1
2011 Aug 4-7
96
2
2
2007 Jun 4-24
85
10
4
2004 Jun 9-30
87
9
4
2003 Nov 11-Dec 14
80
16
4
2002 Jun 3-9
78
20
2
1997 Jan 4-Feb 28
77
16
7
1994 Sep 18-20
68
19
13
1991 Jun 13-16
70
19
11
1983 Apr 29-May 2
71
21
9
1978 Jul 21-24 ^
66
19
15
1972 Oct 13-16 ^
61
21
19
1968 Jun 26-Jul 1 ^
56
33
11
^ WORDING: "... marriage between Whites and non-Whites?"; # WORDING: "... marriage between White and Colored people?" NOTE: Results for Black and White adults shown only for polls that included an oversample of Black respondents.
ºÚÁÏÍø
When a man and woman plan to spend the rest of their lives together as a couple, how important is it to you that they legally marry -- very important, somewhat important, not too important or not important at all?
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not important at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2020 May 1-13
38
26
15
21
*
2013 Jun 20-24
43
21
16
19
1
2006 Jun 8-25
54
19
13
12
1
ºÚÁÏÍø
When an unmarried man and woman have a child together, how important is it to you that they legally marry -- very important, somewhat important, not too important or not important at all?
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not important at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2020 May 1-13
29
31
18
22
*
2013 Jun 20-24
38
26
15
20
1
2006 Jun 8-25
49
27
12
11
1
ºÚÁÏÍø
Have you ever been married, or not?
Yes, have
No, have not
No opinion
%
%
%
2020 May 1-13
69
30
*
2013 Jun 20-24
72
27
*
2006 Jun 8-25
80
20
*
* Less than 0.5%
ºÚÁÏÍø
Would you like to get married someday, or not?
Asked of those who have never been married
Yes, would like to
No, would not
No opinion
%
%
%
2020 May 1-13
81
19
*
2013 Jun 20-24
78
19
3
ºÚÁÏÍø
Would you like to get married again someday, or not?
Asked of those who have are not currently married but have been married before
Yes, would like to
No, would not
No opinion
%
%
%
2020 May 1-13
39
59
2
2013 Jun 20-24
37
58
4
ºÚÁÏÍø
What do you think is the ideal age for a WOMAN to get married?
2020 May 1-13 ^
2006 May 5-7 ^
%
%
Age 21 or under
18
20
Age 22-25
34
42
Age 26-29
18
16
Age 30 or older
23
12
No opinion
7
10
Mean
25.8
24.9
Median
25
25
^ Asked of a half sample
ºÚÁÏÍø
What do you think is the ideal age for a MAN to get married?
2020 May 1-13 ^
2006 May 5-7 ^
%
%
Age 21 or under
14
11
Age 22-25
29
33
Age 26-29
15
20
Age 30 or older
38
30
No opinion
4
7
Mean
27.4
27.4
Median
27
26
^ Asked of a half sample
ºÚÁÏÍø
There are many possible reasons why people who want to get married one day are not currently married. What would you say are some of the reasons you are not married at the present time? [OPEN-ENDED]
Asked of those who have never been married but would like to be married someday
2013 Jun 20-24
%
Haven't found the right person
31
Too young/Not ready
26
Money/Financial reasons
18
No time
7
Career considerations
6
Still in school
6
Gay/Gay marriage illegal in state
4
Don't trust people
4
Currently engaged/Getting married
2
Haven't been asked/Waiting
2
Other
8
No reason in particular
2
No opinion
3
ºÚÁÏÍø
How many different times have you ever been married?
Zero
One
Two
Three
Four or more
No opinion
Mean
%
%
%
%
%
%
National adults
2013 Jun 20-24
27
53
14
4
1
1
1.0
2006 May 8-11
19
60
16
3
1
1
1.1
Ever married
2013 Jun 20-24
--
73
19
5
1
1
1.3
2006 May 8-11
--
75
18
4
1
--
1.3
ºÚÁÏÍø
How many different times have you ever been divorced?
Zero
One
Two
Three
Four or more
No opinion
Mean
%
%
%
%
%
%
National adults
2013 Jun 20-24
75
16
6
2
*
*
0.3
2006 May 8-11
72
20
7
1
*
*
0.4
Ever married
2013 Jun 20-24
66
22
9
2
*
*
0.5
2006 May 8-11
66
24
9
1
*
*
0.5
Ever divorced
2013 Jun 20-24
--
67
26
6
1
--
1.4
2006 May 8-11
--
71
25
4
1
--
1.4
* Less than 0.5%
ºÚÁÏÍø
Now, thinking back to when you were born, were your parents married, or were they not married at that time?
Yes, were married
No, were not
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Jun 20-24
89
11
1
2006 Jun 8-25
92
8
*
* Less than 0.5%
ºÚÁÏÍø
When you were a child, were you raised by both of your parents in the same household, by both parents about equally but in different households, raised mainly by your mother, raised mainly by your father, or were you raised by someone else?
2013 Jun 20-24
2006 Jun 8-25
%
%
Both parents in same household
73
75
Raised mainly by mother
18
17
Both parents equally, different households
3
1
Raised mainly by father
2
2
Grandmother/Great grandmother
1
2
Grandparents
1
1
Someone else
2
1
No opinion
1
*
* Less than 0.5%
ºÚÁÏÍø
Just your best guess, do you think that allowing two people of the same sex to legally marry will change our society for -- [ROTATED: the better, will it have no effect or will it change our society for the worse]?
Better
No effect
Worse
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2009 May 7-10
13
36
48
2
2003 Sep 19-21
10
40
48
2
ºÚÁÏÍø
Suppose an unmarried couple lives together with children in the household. Do you think that has a -- [ROTATED: positive effect on the children, does it not make a difference, (or does it have a) negative effect on the children]?
Positive effect
No difference
Negative effect
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2008 Jul 25-27
12
47
38
3
ºÚÁÏÍø
In general, do you think that an unmarried couple that has lived together for one year is just as committed in their relationship as a couple that has been married for one year, or not?
Yes, just as committed
No, not as committed
No opinion
%
%
%
2008 Jul 25-27 ^
42
53
5
^ Asked of a half sample
ºÚÁÏÍø
In general, do you think that an unmarried couple that has lived together for five years is just as committed in their relationship as a couple that has been married for five years, or not?
Yes, just as committed
No, not as committed
No opinion
%
%
%
2008 Jul 25-27 ^
57
40
3
^ Asked of a half sample
ºÚÁÏÍø
Do you think couples that live together before marriage are more likely or less likely to get divorced than couples that do not live together before marriage?
More likely
Less likely
No difference (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2008 Jul 25-27
31
49
13
7
2002 Jul 22-24
40
37
14
9
(vol.)=volunteered response
ºÚÁÏÍø
Generally speaking, would you say you approve or disapprove of men and women living together without being married if they want to, or is that something you haven't formed an opinion on?
Approve
Disapprove
No opinion
%
%
%
2007 Sep 7-8
55
27
18
ºÚÁÏÍø
Have you ever been married, or not?
Yes
No
No opinion
%
%
%
National adults
2006 Jun 8-25
80
20
*
Non-Hispanic whites
2006 Jun 8-25
82
18
*
Blacks
2006 Jun 8-25
65
35
*
Hispanics
2006 Jun 8-25
72
28
*
* Less than 0.5%
ºÚÁÏÍø
Using an A, B, C, D and F grading scale like they do in school, what grade would you give your marriage today?
Based on adults who are currently married
A
B
C
D
F
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
%
2006 May 8-11
65
27
6
1
--
*
2002 Jul 22-24
68
23
6
1
1
1
1996 Sep 3-5
59
29
10
1
*
1
* Less than 0.5%
ºÚÁÏÍø
How often do you and your (spouse/partner) disagree about money matters -- frequently, occasionally or rarely]?
Based on adults who are married or living with a partner
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2006 Mar 10-12
9
30
57
4
*
* Less than 0.5%; (vol.)=volunteered response
ºÚÁÏÍø
Before you got married, how much did you and your spouse talk about combining your finances after you were married -- a lot, a little or not at all?
Based on adults who are married
A lot
A little
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2006 Mar 10-12
33
31
35
1
ºÚÁÏÍø
During your lifetime, have you ever had a divorce?
Yes, have
No, have not
No opinion
%
%
%
2006 Mar 10-12
30
70
*
1985 Mar 18-31
23
77
--
* Less than 0.5%;
ºÚÁÏÍø
Would you say disagreements over money were a major factor, a minor factor or not a factor at all in the decision to get a divorce?
Based on adults who have ever been divorced
Major factor
Minor factor
Not a factor
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2006 Mar 10-12
18
17
62
3
ºÚÁÏÍø
Did you and your [husband/wife] live together before you got married or not?
Based on adults who have are currently married
Yes
No
No opinion
%
%
%
2002 Jul 22-24
37
63
*
1996 Sep 3-5
31
69
*
1988 Dec 27-29
19
81
0
* Less than 0.5%
ºÚÁÏÍø
Who made the marriage proposal in your family -- you or your [husband/wife]?
Based on those who are married
Husband
Wife
Both (vol.)
Other (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
1997
82
9
5
2
2
1952
76
12
4
8
--
(vol.)=volunteered response
ºÚÁÏÍø
Knowing what you do now, if you had to do it over, is there a chance you might not marry the same person, or do you think you probably would, or are you certain you would?
Married people are more likely to be thriving in their wellbeing than adults who have never married, are divorced or are living with a domestic partner.
ºÚÁÏÍø /poll/117328/Marriage.aspx ºÚÁÏÍø World Headquarters, 901 F Street, Washington, D.C., 20001, U.S.A
+1 202.715.3030