UConn Poll: Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Unions
(Released: April 5, 2004)

Contact: Chris Barnes, Associate Director (860) 486-3002 or (860) 919-3659
Janice Palmer, Media Relations (860) 486-0715

• STRONG MAJORITY ENDORSE CIVIL UNIONS; CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS SPLIT ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
• MAJORITY OF PUBLIC OPPOSES LAW DEFINING MARRIAGE AS BEING BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN

This UConn Poll is based on a sample of 606 Connecticut residents. Sampling error is +/-4%. The telephone survey was conducted from March 25, 2004 through March 29, 2004.

The latest UConn Poll shows that state residents support civil unions in Connecticut, but are split on the issue of same-sex marriage.

In addition, residents think that society should not view same-sex marriages in the same way as a traditional marriage; however, they think that state government should not pass legislation defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.

A strong majority (74%) of Connecticut residents support the idea of a law that would allow same-sex couples to legally form civil unions in Connecticut, while only 24% oppose this idea.

However, state residents are more evenly divided over whether same-sex couples should be allowed to get married, with 49% supporting this and 46% opposing it.

"Most people feel that same-sex couples are entitled to the legal recognition of a partnership and the benefits it derives," commented associate poll director Chris Barnes. "But most are not yet willing to confer the broader, cultural recognition of marriage to a same sex-couple. "

When presented with the three options of marriage, civil unions, or no legal recognition for same-sex couples, residents favor civil unions (41%) over either same-sex marriage (32%) or no legal recognition (25%).

However, the majority of Connecticut residents (53%) think that society should not view same-sex marriages in the same way as a traditional marriage between a man and a woman, compared to 41% believing it should be viewed in the same way as a traditional marriage.

The poll finds that a majority (53%) of residents believe that Connecticut state government should not pass legislation defining marriage as being between a man and a woman, thus barring marriages between same-sex couples.

Residents also support the recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions if same-sex couples moved from one state to another. Over half (52%) believe that a state should be required to recognize same-sex marriages that have taken place in another state if those same-sex marriages are legal, while 61% of residents believe that a state should be required to recognize civil unions that have taken place in another state.

Residents were also asked if there was anyone who they considered a friend or someone close to them who was gay or lesbian. Sixty-one percent say that they know such a person.

SURVEY QUESTIONS:

Q1. Would you support or oppose a law that would allow same-sex couples to legally get MARRIED in Connecticut? (PROBE: SUPPORT/OPPOSE STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT)

Q2. Would you support or oppose a law that would allow same-sex couples to legally form CIVIL UNIONS in Connecticut, giving them some of the legal rights of married couples such as inheritance, insurance and hospital visiting privileges?

Q3. Which comes closest to your view? (Read Choices 1 to 3. )

Q4. Aside from the legal rights granted through marriage, do you think that SOCIETY should or should NOT view same-sex marriages in the same way as a traditional marriage between a man and a woman?

Q5. Do you think the Connecticut state government should or should NOT pass legislation defining marriage as being between a man and a woman, thus barring marriages between gay and lesbian couples?

IQ6. I'm going to read some scenarios. For each one, please tell me your opinion.

Q6a. If a same-sex couple enters into a CIVIL UNION in one state, then moves to another state, should that other state be required to recognize that civil union as legal, or not?

Q6b. If a same-sex couple is legally MARRIED in one state, then moves to another state, should that other state be required to recognize that marriage as legal, or not?

Q7. Is there anyone who you consider a friend or someone close to you, who is gay or a lesbian?