Although opinions towards  allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry are still divided throughout the nation, recent polls show that two-thirds of all Americans are now in support of granting homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexual couples through civil unions.

According to a poll from Washington Post-ABC News, 47 percent of people say gay marriages should be legal, with 31 percent feel so “strongly.” However, half of those polled felt gay marriages should be illegal, including 42 percent who say so strongly.

The poll shows a 12 percent overall increase in the support for civil unions since December 2007 and breaks down the results into increased support based on political party,where a 13 points increase among Republicans was found, region, where support was highest in the Northeast, and age group, where those under 30 were 65 to 33 percent for the legalization of same-sex marriage.

For more information about this poll and for the full article visit The Washington Post.

Olivia Stephens