Most Americans Support Gay Marriage

A slim majority of Americans (53%) backs the idea of gay marriage, according to a new Gallup poll. It's the first time Gallup has seen a majority, with the percentage in favor up 9 points in a year. The surge comes from Democrats (from 56% to 69%) and independents (49% to 59%). Republicans held steady with only 28% in favor. Statistical fluke? It looks unlikely considering that polls from ABC/Washington Post, CNN, and the Public Religion Research Institute all recently reported crossing the 50% mark, too.

"At the moment, those advocating changes in constitutions and laws to allow same-sex marriage in additional states can take heart in the apparent shift in national sentiment in their direction," concludes Gallup. Unless, of course, you're up against this guy in New York state. (More gay marriage stories.)