More poll results: Majority of N.C. residents support same-sex recognition : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis

RALEIGH (AP) — More than half of North Carolina residents now support legal recognition of same-sex couples, and more than one-quarter believe they should have full marriage rights, according to a poll released today.

The Elon University survey found that 29 percent of respondents in the state support civil unions or partnerships for gay couples but not full marriage rights. About 28 percent of people support full marriage rights.

Meanwhile, only 35 percent of respondents opposed all legal recognition for same-sex partners, down from 44 percent when the question was asked two years ago.

"That's a substantial move," said Elon Poll Director Hunter Bacot. "We're seeing people becoming more comfortable with the issue."

About two dozen Republican senators in North Carolina have proposed a constitutional amendment to ban gay unions. Similar measures have previously been filed in the General Assembly but gone nowhere, but Republicans now control both chambers of the Legislature for the first time in more than a century.

The bill's primary sponsors did not return phone calls seeking comment Monday.

Ian Palmquist, executive director of advocacy group Equality North Carolina, said the poll was encouraging. Despite that, the group is not currently focused on pushing legal recognition for same-sex couples because Republicans haven't shown any willingness to allow that.

"I think we have a lot of work to do to get them on board," he said.

Instead, the advocates are largely focused on preventing the constitutional amendment from passing. The Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights group, recently gave money to support Equality North Carolina.

The Elon poll was conducted last week and surveyed 467 North Carolina adults. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percentage points.

LARU

February 28, 2011 - 12:38 pm EST

I think it is very narrow minded to deny gay individuals basic rights. Some couples have been together for many years and yet are denied the same rights as couples that barely make it two.

moondoggy

February 28, 2011 - 12:47 pm EST

Okay I am a little confused here - stats genius I am not a mathematical wizard but would someone care to explain how 467 peoples opinion represent the 9 million people who live in this great state?

Would you responsible news folks please report honest comparisons.

General Greensboro

February 28, 2011 - 1:09 pm EST

The Elon Poll has a whole section on methodology. It's worth reading if you're curious.

Keep in mind that national polls used during elections survey several hundred to a couple thousand folks.

kenpofan

February 28, 2011 - 2:22 pm EST

I do not have any faith at all in this piece of propaganda.

If this is the case..I challenge the Elon folks and the Progressives to run on it this
next election cycle.
Won't happen..

Mr. Bill

February 28, 2011 - 2:53 pm EST

Gays have the same rights as everyone else. They have the right to marry, vote, everything that any other citizen has. It is to bad that they have to be the odd balls of humanity. There is nothing that I know of that a power of attorney, wills, contracts, etc. couldn't accomplish the same thing. Marriage should be only between a man and a woman. That is what makes up a family. Just who the heck do they think they are to try and change what is considered normal? There are many nice, talented, good people who are gay, but that doesn't give the right to tell everyone else how it should be. I have never liked the term Gay for them. Gay to me means to be cheerful, happy. The definition for them should fall under odd, queer, etc. Sorry if the definition fits. Not my problem, it's there's. When you poll you need to interview more people than that.

bamboozled

February 28, 2011 - 3:15 pm EST

While we are on topic of civil unions, I think these same rights should be granted to human-canine couples, or what ever the species maybe. Me and my dog have been together for 7 years and we are deeply committed to each other. I did not choose to be this way, but me and Princess deserve the same rights as everyone else.

February 28, 2011 - 3:25 pm EST

You're just embarrassing yourselves now. It's best that everyone just move along.

news-record.com

NEWS