Renowned Family Law Advocate and Civil Rights Attorney Lisa Bloom Shares Insights, Hosts Twitter Chat on Americans’ Views of Same-Sex Marriage on Anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court Ruling
Seattle, Wash — The Avvo, Inc. annual study of relationship trends across the United States finds that when it comes to supporting same-sex marriage, more Americans are shifting their attitudes since the June 2015 Supreme Court ruling that struck down state bans. In May of 2015, 43% of Americans believed same-sex marriage should be legal, compared to 48% today.
“The legality of same-sex marriage has triggered a shift in American attitudes, and the fact is that love endures. The American dream and pursuit of happiness still includes a meaningful relationship, even as mainstream society is more accepting of modern lifestyles and family dynamics,” said Nika Kabiri, director of consumer insights, Avvo. “In less than a year after the landmark decision by the Supreme Court, people are increasingly recognizing that love comes in all shapes, colors and sizes. Evolving the laws and policies that govern our livelihood is a sign of maturity for American society.”
the legalization of same sex-marriage. In 2015, women surpassed men in their support, with 47% of women supporting same-sex marriage, as compared to just 39% of men. Today, in 2016, nearly the same proportion of men and women are supporters, with 50% of women and about 47% of men in support of same-sex marriage and relationships.
Americans’ support of same-sex marriage differs slightly by political affiliation, with Democrats generally being more supportive. Since the SCOTUS ruling, more Democrats than Republicans have shifted their attitudes. Among Democrats, 58% were in support of same-sex marriage in 2015, versus 68% in 2016. This compares to 22% of Republicans in 2015 supporting same-sex marriage, and 26% of Republicans supporting same-sex marriage in 2016 (not a statistically significant shift).
Support of same-sex marriage also differed across the country, with a sharper rise in support amongst Northeasterners and Midwesterners. In the Northeast, the proportion of same-sex marriage supporters went up from 47% to 56% between 2015 and 2016. Among Midwesterners, the proportion of supporters increased from 40% to 49% between 2015 and 2016. Comparatively, in the South, 41% supported same-sex marriage in 2015 and 42% in 2016. Support of same-sex marriage in the West went up from 46% to 52% over the last year.
For those interested in exploring the current sentiment in America on same-sex marriage further, Avvo (@Avvo) will be co-hosting a twitter chat with renowned family law advocate and civil rights lawyer Lisa Bloom at 7:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, June 23. Follow @Avvo to join the conversation on #LoveintheUS, discussing on the impacts of last year’s Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, and the personal, legal, societal, and cultural effects of the ruling. More information can be found on Avvo’s Facebook invite, and you can follow along during the conversation at that time here: http://tweetchat.com/?prefill=loveintheus.
About this study
Avvo conducts periodic studies of topics at the intersection of lifestyle and the law to better understand the issues facing individuals engaging with lawyers and the legal system. Given that divorce and family law are two of the largest and most routine needs for legal help in the United States, understanding the relationship dynamics that lead to marriage, divorce and family planning are beneficial to the legal consumers and attorneys whom Avvo serves.
“Avvo is committed to understanding American social and cultural experiences so that we can better understand the people we seek to help,” said Kabiri. “Millions of consumers seek legal help on Avvo every day and we want to interact with them in meaningful ways. We conduct several consumer studies every year to learn more about what matters to them when it comes to their personal relationships and families.”
Avvo offers consumers legal help on-demand with fixed-fee, limited scope legal services from a local, experienced attorney of their choice, such as a divorce and separation advice session, legal counsel and review of a prenuptial agreement or parenting plan, or an uncontested divorce filing. Avvo lawyers additionally answer questions about marriage, divorce, and family law in the company’s Q&A forum for free every day, and are featured in the Avvo directory, which includes consumer reviews and detailed profiles for 97% of licensed attorneys in the United States.
For additional resources for same-sex couples on marriage, divorce, and family planning from Avvo, or to find a family lawyer in your area, visit www.avvo.com.
Methodology
These findings are based on a non-probability online sample of data collected using the Research Now panel. Data was collected in March 2016. A sample of over 2000 U.S. adults age 18 and over were surveyed online. For this poll, the credibility interval was calculated to be plus or minus 2.5 percentage points for all respondents. The data were weighted to the U.S. current population data by gender, age, and region based on Census data.
About Avvo, Inc.
Avvo helps people find and connect with the right lawyer through industry leading content, tools and services. Founded in 2006 in Seattle, Avvo provides transparent information about attorneys, with Avvo-rated profiles for 97% of practicing lawyers in the United States. A free Q&A forum with more than 8 million questions and answers and on-demand legal services that provide professional counsel for a fixed cost, make legal faster and easier. For more information on how Avvo helps people through legal issues from research to resolution, visit www.avvo.com.
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