New Poll Shows Most Americans Favor Traditional Marriage

From The Heritage Foundation:

The results of a new poll suggest that most American adults still support a traditional definition of marriage. According to the national survey, sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund, 62 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: “I believe marriage should be defined only as a union between one man and one woman.”

Not surprisingly, the poll results are reflected in votes around the country. In 31 states where voters have had the opportunity to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman in their state’s constitution, Americans have overwhelmingly supported traditional marriage. No state’s voters have voted to the contrary. Even in the face of intimidation tactics, voters have repeatedly chosen to preserve the character of marriage. Unable to sway popular opinion against traditional marriage, activist groups have largely relied on an unelected judiciary to impose recognition of same-sex unions on a handful of states.

Americans’ strong belief in marriage is well founded. The union of one man and one woman, committed to supporting each other and any children they may raise, provides unique benefits that have a profound effect on both society and the next generation. The importance of intact, married families to the health of civil society necessitates greater defense of traditional marriage by policymakers and national leaders. The House of Representatives’ recent decision to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act in court is one step in upholding the unique qualities of traditional marriage.