"There are very real majorities of Americans, a very large mainstream made up of more than the "far-right," who oppose gay marriage."

And on this, I concur wholeheartedly.

My objection with the WashTimes story is not over framing the matter that there is substantial objection to gay marriage; that is almost beyond question. My objection was that they framed it so as to make there appear to be movement, when I am pretty sure there has been no movement.

You're absolutely right. Movement on any issue is rare, and there's really no exogenous shock to have caused such movement.

If anything, the numbers appear to have sort of gradually moved back to earlier levels, after a brief spell of belief among the general public that gay marriage was inevitable and imminent (thus, opinion shifted toward more acceptance, to "get on the bandwagon"). That's now receded, and the old numbers have sort of reemerged.

But then again, the poll has so few respondents, it is difficult to say with any certainty what the exact levels of public opinion are/were at any given time.

I'd be more interested in the regional differences, racial differences, gender differences, etc. But again, not enough data to make any conclusions.

I am for gay marriage. I believe that a gay couple should have every opportunity as a straight couple... I would hate to think I couldn't be married to my husband if it were the other way around! it makes me sad to think anyone would be discriminated against in our country today. I know I am going to get alot of disagreements on this subject but I just feel it is important.

I agree with both Will Franklin and Gerry that the polls are clear on this: a majority of Americans do not support same-sex marriage.

On the subject of demographic differences in support, however, one of the most intriguing findings is the age gap on same-sex marriage. In the polls that I've seen, younger respondents are considerably more pro-same-sex marriage than are older respondents.

If that gap persists (a big "if," to be sure), then demographic replacement (less polite term: dying off) will eventually reverse the majority. I'm talking decades here, though, not from poll to poll.

Of course, if there's an amendment to the U.S. Constitution by that time (another big "if"), then the new majority will face a difficult task in overturning the amendment. After all, the amendment process is all about supermajorities.

But of course the polls are irrelevant. What do the judges think?

I agree that the majority of Americans do not agree with Gay Marriage. The question is not whether they are right or wrnog, but is it right or wrong for us to tell them what they can and can't do. US, in this case, meaning those of us who disagree with it. I don't agree with Gay Marriage but I don't think it is right to force my religious views on someone else.

I don't agree with the homosexual lifestyle but it is not my place to enforce my religious views on others.

Although the message is clear, the polls show that most American's oppose same-sex marraige, it becomes irrelevant for several reasons. First on a legal level it is up to the judges. And second on an opinion level, I believe that everyone should be able to separate themeselves from there own personal lifestyle and be mature enough to recognize others live differently then they do.

Personal and religious beliefs aside!...I have to say homosexual marriage in america would be ok! As long as they are tax paying hard working individuals like us all. I believe no person of legal age should be denied the right to marry just because of sexual preference...I love this country! I believe this is something we all should consider just because homosexuality is something that isn't really a choice...I am sure there will be many debates and disagreements on this issue!