Poll reflects shift in attitudes about same-sex relationships.
Sometimes, you look at numbers and try to make them fit your expectations - these numbers were a welcome surpise to conventional wisdom in Texas. The 2009 annual Texas Lyceum poll that came out today covered a wide variety of issues ranging from the economy to Voter ID and relationship equality. First of all, the poll indicates that a majority of Texans do not oppose "same-sex unions". There is a split in support between civil unions and marriage. This is a marked shift from 2005. (though there was little polling on this issue - the vote was 76% in support of the anti-marriage amendment vs. 24% against). Today we see 57% majority support for some form of legal recognition.
Delving down deeper into the poll, we see encouragement in the support for either civil unions or marriage from a majority of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
These changing attitudes result from ongoing dialogs and discussions that have happened across the country over the past 5 years around marriage equality. In Texas, we have seen more couples who are involved in their community, participating in local civic groups, PTAs, neighborhood associations, and as a result have educated others about their commitment to their relationship and family.
This change in attitude is a positive outcome, but it is critical that we continue to support leaders in the private and public sector, and we continue to educate them about our relationships and the equality they deserve.
Seeing that a majority support some form of legal recognition, our elected officials should not be afraid to work for pro-equality measures like hospital visitation, medical decision authority, employment/housing/public accommodation nondiscrimination, competitive benefit plans, and safe schools for all children.
Paul E. Scott, Executive Director
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