Poll: 62% for traditional marriage

Most U.S. adults still support traditional marriage according to a new poll. The study, sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, surveyed 1,500 adults and found that 62 percent agreed with the statement: "I believe marriage should be defined ONLY as a union between one man and one woman."

Additionally, 53 percent said they strongly agreed.

The two sides of the debate took polarized positions on the numbers.

"Only 35 percent disagreed (with the question)," noted the Family Research Council. "That's a far cry from what the media would have us believe. In recent surveys, the press seems intent on creating the illusion that there's momentum for same-sex 'marriage.' But unlike other polling, which has to twist questions to elicit a liberal response, ADF's survey was a straightforward, comprehensive look at the attitudes toward marriage today."

The Washington Independent announced in a headline that the poll was "intentionally skewed" by a religious-right group. It quoted blogger Jeremy Hooper as proof. Hooper called ADF "one of the most anti-equality groups in the nation" and said he found evidence in the poll questions on ADF's site to prove it. Several questions, if answered yes by respondents, let to termination of the phone call and exclusion from the poll. Hooper said one question — "Do you write your own blog or frequently comment on blogs regarding political issues?" — was designed to shut out gays and skew the poll.

In May, the Public Religion Research Institute found that 51 percent of Americans favor legalizing gay marriage.

The new poll results come as "frustrations flared" Friday among New York state legislators over the fight to pass the state's gay marriage bill, according to a New York Times report.

"Democratic lawmakers and gay rights advocates suggested that the Republicans in the State Senate were deliberately delaying a vote on whether to legalize same-sex marriage," the article said.

Republicans may be delaying a vote to shore up religious protections in the bill before it has a chance to pass, according to a post at thirdage.com.

The New York bill already passed the Democratic-majority State Assembly in an 80-63 vote. It is currently stuck in the state's Republican-majority Senate.

If the bill passes, New York will join five U.S. states and the District of Columbia in legalizing same-sex marriage.

EMAIL: hboyd@desnews.com