A majority (61%) of the U.S. supports the legalization of same-sex marriage, according to a Pew Research Center report published May 14.
Those favoring legalization first surpassed those opposing in 2011, seeing a steady increase of support beginning in 2009. Current levels of support are down slightly from all-time highs in 2017 but remain largely stable.
White respondents (62%) were most likely to affirm legalization, compared to 58% of Hispanics and 51% of blacks. Since 2004, white support has increased 31%, black support 30% and Hispanic support 16%.
Women (66%) were more likely than men (57%) to support same-sex marriage, with female support increasing 32% since 2004 and male support 29% over the same period.
Democrats (75%) are much more likely than Republicans (44%) to favor legalization, with support in both parties increasing significantly since 2004.
Support is highest among Millennials (born 1981-96) at 74%, followed by 58% of Gen-Xers (1965-80), 51% of Boomers (1946-64) and 45% of the Silent Generation (1928-45).
At 79%, the unaffiliated are the most likely religious group to support same-sex marriage. White mainline Protestant support stands at 66%, Catholics at 61% and evangelical Protestants at 29%.
The full report is available here.
