Poll: 62% of Americans say marriage is one man, one woman, nothing else

by John Jalsevac

June 17, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A recent national research survey has found that 62% of American adult respondents believed that “marriage should be defined only as a union between one man and one woman.” Fifty-three percent of the respondents strongly agreed, while only 35% disagreed.

The survey, sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund and completed by Public Opinion Strategies May 16-19, was part of a comprehensive examination of American attitudes toward marriage.  In addition to the national survey, which surveyed 1500 U.S. adults, the research included 14 focus groups completed across the country.

“Americans recognize that marriage provides a strong foundation for a thriving society,” said ADF Senior Counsel Brian Raum. “The union between husband and wife benefits society - especially children - in unique ways that cannot be duplicated by any other relationship.

“Throughout history, diverse cultures and faiths have recognized this universally defined ideal as the best way to promote healthy, natural families for the good of future generations,” he said.

The survey results mirror American voter behavior when faced with the decision to either affirm marriage in their state constitutions or leave it open to legal challenges or other attacks. Voters in thirty-one states have approved measures to protect natural marriage.

“These numbers are not surprising,” said Public Opinion Strategies partner, and the survey’s director, Gene Ulm. “More than 63 million Americans in 31 state elections have voted on constitutional marriage amendments. Forty million Americans in all - 63 percent of total voters - have voted to affirm marriage as a union between a man and a woman.”

“Americans strongly affirm the lifelong, faithful union of a man and a woman as the fundamental building block of civilization,” said Raum. “This survey, along with the nearly 80 percent win rate in ADF marriage cases, shows the opposition has created an illusion of momentum but not a real base of support or track record of victory in the courts.”