Ministry News

Study Explores Views on Marriage

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Monday, 20 June 2011 23:04

A June 16 study released by the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) revealed that 62 percent of Americans believe that “marriage should be defined only as a union between one man and one woman," and 53 percent of Americans strongly agreed with this statement. Completed by Public Opinion Strategies May 16-19, the study explored American attitudes toward marriage and conducted 14 focus groups across the country.

ADF senior council Brian Raum noted that the study reflects voters' behavior when faced with opportunities to allow or prohibit same-sex marriage.

“Americans recognize that marriage provides a strong foundation for a thriving society,” Raum said. “The union between husband and wife benefits society—especially children—in unique ways that cannot be duplicated by any other relationship. Throughout history, diverse cultures and faiths have recognized this universally defined ideal as the best way to promote healthy, natural families for the good of future generations.”

Gene Ulm, the survey's director, pointed out that more than 63 million Americans in 31 state elections have voted on constitutional marriage amendments. Forty million Americans in all—63 percent of total voters—have voted to affirm marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

“Americans strongly affirm the lifelong, faithful union of a man and a woman as the fundamental building block of civilization,” Raum stated. “This survey, along with the nearly 80 percent win rate in ADF marriage cases, shows the opposition has created an illusion of momentum but not a real base of support or track record of victory in the courts.”

— Alliance Defense Fund