When the Defense of Marriage Act was signed in 1996, only 25% of the American public supported same-sex marriage; support has increased gradually ever since. California's Proposition 8, passed 52%-48% by voters after a controversial campaign in 2008, was declared unconstitutional by two federal courts,[59] and ceased effect on June 28, 2013 after the Supreme Court ruled that the appellants lacked standing.[60] Polling in 2012 shows 59% of California voters approve of same-sex marriage.[61]
After President Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage on May 9, 2012, among cultural groups, 59 percent of African-Americans in some surveys taken at the time expressed support – up from 41 percent in combined ABC/Post polls from Spring 2012 and the summer of 2011. Likewise, 65 percent supported Obama's new position on the issue. These levels of support, however, have subsided since then.[62] The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced its formal support shortly after President Obama's endorsement. Fewer whites, 46 percent, approved of Obama’s announcement, and 50 percent supported same-sex marriage – numerically (albeit not statistically significant) the fewest since 2010.[63]
In 2013, polling data provided by Pew signifies at least a few trends. Firstly, there is clearly a generational divide on the issue. 70% of Millennials (those born after 1980) support same-sex marriage. This contrasts with Gen X and Baby Boomer respondents. 49% of Gen X respondents (born 1965-1980) support same-sex marriage, while 38% of Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) support same-sex marriage. Contrasting levels of support are also apparent when considering political ideology, with those who are liberal or lean liberal expressing more support for same sex marriage than those who are conservative or lean conservative.[62]
Concerning religion, a majority of Catholics (both white and Hispanic) support same-sex marriage, as do a majority of those who are Jewish or religiously unaffiliated. Broadly, Protestant support for same sex marriage is at 34%. Amongst Protestants, however, support varies. 19% of white evangelicals support gay marriage, while 52% of white mainline Protestants support same-sex marriage. 35% of black Protestants support same-sex marriage.[62]
Support for same sex-marriage is higher amongst women than it is men. Support for same-sex marriage appears to be identical amongst whites and Hispanics, while there is less support amongst blacks.[62]
Differing support levels are also apparent between polls. Washington Post/ ABC News, which asks whether or not same sex marriage should be legal or illegal, shows that 58% of Americans think same-sex marriage should be legal.[64] However Pew, which was asks whether or not respondents support or oppose same-sex marriage, shows that support for same-sex marriage is 49%.[65] The Pew poll asks respondents to indicate their support or opposition to same-sex marriage, whereas the Washington Post/ ABC News poll asks respondents whether or not same-sex marriage should be legal. Nevertheless, both polls illustrate a similar trend that indicates support for same-sex marriage is increasing, and both clearly demonstrate a generational divide on the issue. Indeed, the Washington Post in 2013 reports, “In the Pew Research Center poll conducted early last month, 72 percent called same-sex marriage inevitable.”