A new Quinnipiac poll shows a surge in support for marriage equality in New York state:
By the highest margin ever, 56 – 37 percent, New York State voters support legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
This compares to 51 – 41 percent support, the previous high, measured in a June 23, 2009 survey, by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University.
In today's survey, support for gay marriage is 69 – 25 percent among Democrats and 55 – 39 percent among independent voters. Republicans are opposed 52 – 41 percent. Men back gay marriage 54 – 40 percent and women support it 58 – 34 percent. Support is highest among suburban voters, 61 – 33 percent. New York City voters support gay marriage 55 – 37 percent and upstate voters support it 54 – 39 percent.
Earlier this month, state Senator Tom Duane said that "within weeks" he would introduce a marriage equality bill in New York.
Governor Andrew Cuomo called for marriage equality in his inaugural address and recently hired an LGBT liaison, Erik Bottcher, to help facilitate the state's push to offer equal marriage rights to its citizens.