According to the new poll by USA Today/Gallup, 63% of adults say same-sex marriage is "strictly a private decision" between two people, while 33% stated that the government has the right "to prohibit or allow" such marriages, and 4% had no opinion

After Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004, 11 states voted on similar questions and those initiatives did have an impact in election results. "Turnout was 2.4% higher on average in those 11 states than the other 39 states," says Mark Rozell, professor of public policy at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

But this does not neccessarily mean that these issues will mobilize voters in future elections, he says. "People were warned, with lots of overheated rhetoric, about the consequences of gay marriage in Massachusetts. They didn't see it affect their own lives. Now, most people have let loose a collective yawn about the issue."

Poll findings:

A majority of respondents at every level of education and income say same-sex marriage is "strictly private." This was true:

• In every region: East (71%), West (64%), Midwest (63%) and South (56%).

• Among all ages except "65 and older": 18 to 29 (79%), 30 to 49 (65%), 50 to 64% (62%) and 65 and older (44%).

• Among people who also say they have a favorable view of any of the three leading presidential candidates. For those holding favorable views for John McCain, 55% say marriage is a private decision; for Barack Obama, 75% say so; and for Hillary Clinton, 69% do. All three oppose same-sex marriage. Both Democrats both favor civil unions.

• Among people who say a relative, friend or co-worker personally has told them he or she was gay or lesbian (73%).

The strongest support for government regulation of same-sex marriage came from people who say they:

• Attend religious services weekly (56%).

• Are Republicans (56%).

• Are politically conservative (54%).

Last update: 01-31-2009 14:24