U.S. Voters Back Supreme Court Ok For Gay Marriage, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Less Support For Death Penalty - Except For Terrorism

Quinnipiac reports:

American voters say 56 - 38 percent they would support a U.S. Supreme Court decision granting same-sex couples the constitutional right to marry, according to a Quinnipiac University National poll released today. Voters support 56 - 36 percent same-sex marriage in general.

Backing a possible Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex marriage are Democrats 70 - 24 percent, independent voters 61 - 34 percent, men 55 - 41 percent and women 57 - 35 percent. Republicans are opposed 62 - 34 percent, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe- ack) University Poll finds.

Voters also oppose 53 - 40 percent allowing individual states to prohibit same-sex marriage, and support 57 - 36 percent requiring states to recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other states. Democrats, independent voters, men and women back same-sex marriage in these questions, with Republicans opposed.

American voters are leaning against the death penalty in general, as 48 percent say a person convicted of murder should be sentenced to life without parole, while 43 percent back the death penalty for convicted murderers.

A person convicted of murder during an act of terror should receive the death penalty, 58 percent of voters say, while 36 percent call for life without parole.

The newest snapshot.