Support for same-sex marriage in the United States has been declining, particularly among Republican voters, according to new data from Gallup. Despite the nationwide legalization of gay marriage in 2015, approval for same-sex marriage has decreased over the past two years. While the majority of Americans still approve of it, with 69% saying same-sex marriages should be legal, there has been a slight decline from the peak of 71% in 2022. Additionally, slightly fewer Americans believe that gay marriage is “morally acceptable,” with 64% agreeing with the statement in 2024. Democrats remain largely supportive of same-sex marriage, with 83% in support, though their approval has slightly decreased from highs of 87% in 2022.
Democratic leaders continue to support marriage equality and LGBT rights at both state and federal levels, with President Joe Biden consistently recognizing celebrations like Pride Month and Transgender Visibility Day using his office, despite criticism from conservative opponents. Independents have seen a noticeable decline in support for gay marriage, with approval falling to 68% in 2023 from 73% in 2021. However, independents were also the only voting group to see an increase in support for gay marriage in 2023, rising to 77%. Republican support for same-sex marriage has seen the most significant decline in recent years, with only 49% of Republicans supporting it, down from 56% two years ago.
Before the nationwide legalization of gay marriage in 2015, many states had already recognized it in some form. In 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marriage was a violation of the state constitution, making Massachusetts the first state to recognize gay marriage. In 2008, more states began to approve gay marriage legislation, including California and Connecticut. This was also the year the Democratic National Convention opposed the Defense of Marriage Act. By the end of 2014, 70% of Americans lived in states that allowed same-sex couples to be married.
The decline in support for same-sex marriage among Republican voters is notable, with only 49% in favor, down from 56% two years ago. Conservative leaders have been more vocal about their feelings on LGBT rights during Pride Month, which is celebrated in June every year. Despite the decreasing support for gay marriage among some groups, the overall majority of Americans still approve of it. The recent data from Gallup suggests a shifting landscape in public opinion on same-sex marriage, with Democratic support remaining strong, independent support fluctuating, and Republican support declining. It remains to be seen how these changing attitudes will impact future legislation and cultural attitudes towards marriage equality in the United States.
