Updated with corrected percentages for Minnesota poll
ST. PAUL, Minn. (BP) — A proposed Minnesota constitutional amendment defining marriage between a man and a woman has a lead heading into the 2012 election, according to a new poll.
The Star Tribune survey of 807 adults shows that by a margin of 48-43 percent, voters favor “amending the Minnesota constitution to allow marriage only between a man and a woman.”
The poll is significant for several reasons. First, it shows that Minnesota — despite leaning left — potentially could pass an initiative prohibiting gay “marriage.” Second, the survey used similar language to what voters will see on the ballot. Third, marriage amendments typically receive more support than is indicated in pre-elections, which could mean it already has the backing of well over 50 percent of voters. The survey was conducted Nov. 2-3.
Minnesota is one of two states that will vote next year on marriage amendments. The other is North Carolina, where an amendment there led in the most recent poll of likely voters, 59-35 percent. That poll was conducted Oct. 27-31 by Public Policy Polling. It also included language similar to what will be on the ballot.
North Carolinians will vote in May and could become the 30th state to define marriage in a state constitution. The Minnesota election will take place in November 2012.
Supporters of the traditional definition of marriage warn that gay “marriage” legalization will negatively affect all of society, impacting everything from the tax-exempt status of religious organizations, to the way private businesses are operated to what is taught in elementary schools.
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Compiled by Michael Foust, associate editor of Baptist Press. For information about the Minnesota amendment, visit www.minnesotaformarriage.com.
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