WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — Ten years after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in its landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision, 68% of Americans still support marriage equality, according to new Gallup data. But while overall support remains steady, a growing partisan divide is reshaping the conversation.
Support for same-sex marriage among Democrats has reached a record-high 88%, while independents hold steady at 76%. Republican support, however, has dropped to 41%, its lowest level since 2016. Just a few years ago, in 2021 and 2022, Republican backing hit a high of 55%.
That marks a 47-point gap between Democrats and Republicans—the widest since Gallup began tracking the issue nearly three decades ago.
Same-Sex Marriage Support Through the Years
In 1996, only 27% of Americans supported same-sex marriage. That number gradually climbed to 42% in 2004 and hit majority support in 2011. Since 2012, support has stayed above 50%, reaching as high as 71% in 2022.
Despite consistent national support, the recent decline among Republicans reflects broader political polarization over LGBTQ+ rights.
Moral Acceptance Also Shows Partisan Split
The latest Gallup Values and Beliefs poll also found that 64% of Americans believe same-sex relations are morally acceptable. This is the third year in a row that number has held steady, though it’s down from a peak of 71% in 2022.
Once again, Democrats are leading the way in acceptance, with 86% finding same-sex relations morally acceptable—a record high. Republicans, by contrast, have dropped to 38%, down from a high of 56% just two years ago. Independents remain in the middle at 69%.
Religion and Demographics Shape Views
Support also varies by religious attendance and demographics. Only 33% of weekly churchgoers support same-sex marriage, and just 24% say same-sex relations are morally acceptable.
Support tends to be stronger among women, younger adults, and college graduates, while men, older adults, and those without a college degree show lower levels of support.
Legal Rights vs. Political Reality
While public opinion remains largely favorable, legal experts caution that political and legal threats remain. Justice Clarence Thomas, in his 2022 concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, suggested the Court should revisit rulings on same-sex marriage. Since then, several Republican-led states have introduced resolutions urging the Court to overturn Obergefell.
Additionally, during his second term, former President Donald Trump rolled back LGBTQ+ protections, especially for transgender Americans. Should he return to office, advocates fear similar policies could be revived.
Bottom Line
Support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. remains high, but partisan polarization is growing. As legal challenges loom and political rhetoric sharpens, the future of marriage equality—despite being firmly established in law—may face renewed pressure in the years ahead.
