Gay marriage support grows in New York

• Tweet

NEW YORK, May 15 (UPI) -- A poll of New York state residents suggests support for legalized gay marriage in the state is growing, with 46 percent in favor and the same number opposing.

Quinnipiac University, which conducted the survey, said overall support for same-sex marriage in New York has made gains since five years ago, when a poll suggested 35 percent supported legalization with 55 percent against.

The poll found 61 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 support gay marriage, with 33 percent against, while 55 percent of voters over 55 oppose same-sex nuptials, with 37 percent in favor.

By ethnicity, African Americans surveyed said they were opposed to gay marriage by 57 percent to 35 percent, with Hispanics also opposed by 48 percent to 45 percent. White respondents supported gay marriage by 47 percent to 45 percent.

The New York State Assembly voted Tuesday to approve a gay marriage bill that is now being deliberated by the state Senate. Observers said the Senate does not appear to have the votes to pass the measure.