U.S.: support legalization of same-sex marriages 2023

This survey shows the opinion on legalization of same-sex marriages in the United States from 1996 to 2023. In 1996, 27 percent of respondents agreed that same-sex marriages should be recognized by law as valid with the same rights as traditional marriages. In 2023, 71 percent state that same-sex marriages should be recognized as valid, the highest share of the last decades.

Do you think marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized by law as valid?

Characteristic	Share of respondents
2023	71%
2022	71%
2021	70%
2020	67%
2019	63%
2018	67%
2017	64%
2016	61%
2015	60%
2014	55%
2013	54%
2012	50%
2011	53%
2010	44%
2009	40%
2008	40%
2007	46%
2006	42%
2005	37%
2004	42%
1999	35%
1996	27%

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Release date

June 2023

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

1996 to 2023

Age group

18 years and older

Method of interview

Telephone interview

Supplementary notes

According to the source: "Trend shown for polls in which same-sex marriage question followed questions on gay/lesbian rights and relations."

Missing percentage points to 100 percent are due to share of respondents stating "no opinion".

The original question posed at the source was: "Do you think marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized by law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?"

1996 to 2006 wording: "Do you think marriages between homosexuals..."

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