Elon Poll: Opposition up slightly to 2012 amendment banning same-sex marriage

Opposition to a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage has risen slightly over the last two months, according to a new poll released Monday by Elon University.

Fifty-seven percent of those polled opposed the marriage amendment, one percentage point higher than when the question was asked in September.

The 37 percent of respondents who said they do support the amendment represents a decrease of two percentage points from the last poll.

The November poll also found that 59 percent of those surveyed support some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, compared to 35 % who oppose any form of legal recognition.

Here’s how the numbers break down for the last three Elon polls on this issue:

N.C. constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage
November 2011: 57 percent oppose / 37 percent support
September 2011: 56 percent oppose / 39 percent support
February 2011: 56 percent oppose / 38 percent support

Oppose any legal recognition for same-sex couples:
November 2011: 35 percent
September 2011: 34 percent
February 2011: 35 percent

Support civil unions or partnerships, but not full marriage rights:
November 2011: 26 percent
September 2011: 29 percent
February 2011: 29 percent

Support full marriage rights:
November 2011: 33 percent
September 2011: 33 percent
February 2011: 28 percent

Just last week, a Public Policy Polling survey found 59 percent of those questioned support the gay marriage ban, with 35 percent against it. But the PPP poll also found that roughly 60 percent of those voters also believe gay couples should be allowed some legal recognition. PPP notes that getting pro-civil union voters to oppose the marriage amendment will be crucial for those hoping to defeat it.

To see the rest of Elon University’s poll, including North Carolinians’ attitudes on fracking, Occupy Wall Street, and the Tea Party movement, click here. The Elon  poll surveyed 529 North Carolinians between October 30th and November 2nd.