New Jerseyans support a law that would allow same sex couples to marry, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released this morning.  The proposed law, which would be voted on by legislators later this year, is backed 49%-43% -- a huge increase from a December 2007 Quinnipiac poll that showed 50% of state voters opposing same-sex marriage.  And nearly two-thirds of the voters back the existing civil union law.

Public support for marriage equality comes even after the National Organization for Marriage launched a reported $1.5 million TV ad campaign opposing same-sex marriage in New Jersey.

By a 66%-30%, New Jersey voters reject the argument that same-sex marriage ""is a threat to the traditional marriage between a man and a woman."

"Legislators, take note:  No matter what lies our opponents throw on television, New Jersey stands by marriage equality and will stand by you when you vote to end discrimination in marriage in 2009," said Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality.

When New Jersey voters are offered three choices:

• 42% say same-sex couples should be allowed to marry;
• 30% say same-sex couples should be allowed to form civil unions, but not marry;
• 20% oppose any legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

"Two years after New Jersey's civil union law went into effect, sentiment for allowing same-sex marriage in the state has shifted from six points against to six points in favor," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.  "Support for the same-sex civil union law has risen dramatically and New Jersey voters do not see gay marriage as a threat to traditional marriages between a man and a woman. Support for allowing gay couples to adopt children is nearly 2 - 1." 

Six out of ten voters believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children.   

Same-sex marriage is supported 64%-29% by Democrats, 50%-41% by Independents, 50%%-42% by white voters, and 53%-39% by women.  It is opposed 67%-26% by Republicans, 54%-38% among African Americans, 48%-44% by men, and 67%-26% by Republicans.

Voters who attend religious services once a week oppose same-sex marriage 65 - 28 percent while voters who attend services less frequently support it 61 - 30 percent.  

"Every independent poll in New Jersey taken over the past three years has shown more New Jerseyans favor marriage equality than oppose it," said Goldstein.  "And these are the state's most independent polls, like Quinnipiac, Monmouth and Eagleton, with no link to either side in the marriage equality debate."