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UK Wedding News

18/04/2013

Religions Divided On Same-Sex Marriage: Survey

A new survey has found there are almost as many supporters of same-sex marriage as those who oppose it, the Telegraph has reported.

The figures come despite strong vocal opposition to Prime Minister David Cameron's plans to allow same-sex couples to marry.

It also suggested that more Roman Catholics and Anglicans supported the redefinition of marriage that oppose it.

Within most religious groups there are minorities who believe that same-sex marriage is wrong, but still think it should be allowed.

The results were from a survey of 4,000 people commissioned by the organisers of the regular Westminster Faith Debates and carried out by YouGov. As part of the study, people were asked not only whether they identified with a religion or denomination, but whether they looked to their faith or its leaders for guidance rather than their own instincts.

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As a result, it was revealed that opposition to gay marriage was strongest among those with the strongest religious convictions.

Overall, 43% of those who identified personally with a religion or denomination said they supported gay marriage – the same proportion as was opposed to the idea.

Among Catholics, 44% were in favour and 41% against, while 44% of Anglicans supported the move, with 43% against.

Even when those who say they do not attend services regularly are excluded, 47% of Anglicans churchgoers are opposed, with 40% of regular attenders in favour. Among Catholics, 48% of regular massgoers are opposed to gay marriage with 42% in favour.

Professor Linda Woodhead, of the Religion and Society Programme, an academic unit based at Lancaster University which organises the Faith Debates, said: "Given that the churches have really pulled out the big guns and made this the big issue that they are going to stand on, it is surprising that not even half of active churchgoers are opposed."

(JP/CD)

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"A new survey has found there are almost as many supporters of same-sex marriage as those who oppose it, the Telegraph has reported."