The survey by the Polling Company shows that 60 percent of voters in this year's election agreed that "marriage is between one man and one woman." Fifty-one percent agreed strongly. All total, 34 percent disagreed with the statement.
The poll of 800 people who voted either on Election Day or who voted early was conducted Nov. 7.
Voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington state chose this year to legalize gay marriage, while voters in Minnesota defeated a constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as between one man and one woman. The margins ranged from 51-49 percent in Minnesota to 52-48 percent in Maryland and 53-47 percent in Maine and Washington. It was the first time voters in any state approved gay marriage.
"The outcome of the marriage votes in four very liberal states has caused some to speculate as to whether the American people have changed their views on marriage. This scientific poll shows that the answer to that is, 'no' they have not changed," said Brian Brown, president of the traditional group National Organization for Marriage.
Traditional marriage is one that draws support across party lines, Brown said, noting that the traditional side on the ballots outperformed the Republican ticket by an average of 6.6 points in the four states.
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A financial disadvantage contributed to the losses by traditionalists, Brown said, with his side being outspent at least 4-1.
"We were fighting the entirety of the political establishment in most of the states, including sitting governors in three of the states who campaigned heavily for gay marriage," Brown said. "Our opponents and some in the media will attempt to portray the election results as a changing point in how Americans view gay marriage, but that is not the case.
"Americans remain strongly in favor of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The election results reflect the political and funding advantages our opponents enjoyed in these very liberal states."
Compiled by Michael Foust, associate editor of Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
Copyright (c) 2012 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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