PROVIDENCE—A new poll reports that more Rhode Islanders oppose gay marriage than support the proposal and only 7 percent of respondents identified gay marriage as the most important issue facing Rhode Island, instead selecting employment and the economy as those matters government should be focusing its attention.
Dr. Victor L. Profughi a veteran Rhode Island pollster of Quest Research, released the results of the Rhode Island issues survey on June 8. The poll measured opinions on several issues of voter concern, and sought input relating to legalizing gay marriage in Rhode Island.
Those surveyed were asked to choose from a list of six issues and determine what they considered to be the two most important public issues needing government intervention. Voters also listed health care reform, lowering taxes, government corruption and illegal immigration as important issues.
Respondents were initially asked what they believed was the most important issue on which state government should take action. The survey found that issues such as employment and aiding the troubled economy presented the most concern, followed by the state budget deficit and taxes.
The survey found that issues of employment and aiding the troubled economy were the most common concern, followed by the state budget deficit and taxes.
On May 27, researchers at Brown University released a poll, that stated that most Rhode Island voters favor gay marriage by a margin of 60 percent to 31 percent. The Quest poll found that 43 percent of respondents say they oppose gay marriage and 36 percent support the issue. Of those opposing gay marriage 82 percent said they were strongly against it
The majority of those surveyed in the poll also believe that the issue of gay marriage should be decided directly by voters and not by the state legislature: 84 percent of respondents shared that they think Rhode Island voters should have an opportunity to vote on the issue, rather than the General Assembly.
Christopher Plante, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage for Rhode Island explained that there have been a number of recent polls that show that the majority of Rhode Islanders favor gay marriage and added that the Brown poll should be discounted.
“Recent news and events attempted to use the Brown University poll to push the Rhode Island Legislature to act on same sex marriage,” said Plante. “However, the Quest Research poll, when compared to national polls by Gallup and Quinnipiac University, and even Marriage Equality Rhode Island's own polling, show that Brown's numbers are out of line with Rhode Islanders attitudes and desires.”
The recent USA Today/Gallup poll said that the majority of Americans continue to oppose gay marriage. Gallup found 57 percent of Americans oppose legalizing gay marriage.
According to Dr. Profughi, “Although much has been made in the media recently of Rhode Island’s sole status in New England as a hold out against legalizing gay marriage, it is obvious that the issue is not on the agenda of the average person in Rhode Island.”
One of the questions asked in the survey stated, “Only marriage between a man and a woman will be valid or recognized in Rhode Island.” More than half those surveyed supported the statement, while 38 percent expressed opposition.
Plante explained that the Quest Research poll clearly shows that Rhode Islanders oppose gay marriage and they are in favor of protecting the legal definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.
“We need to remind Rhode Islanders that this is not inevitable,” said Plante. “Rhode Island stands with 30 other states (opposed to same-sex marriage). If we voted today, it’s better than even that we would be the 31st.”
“Forcing a wedge issue that favors only a small fraction of Rhode Islanders on the House of Representatives when Rhode Island faces a half billion dollar deficit, no agreed upon budget, and a slew of clearly more important issues is wrong. The Rhode Island House of Representatives ought to leave this issue alone, get Rhode Island's business in order, and adjourn for this session,” added Plante.
“I think the poll more accurately describes the opinions of Rhode Islanders. Unlike other polls, it obviously looked beyond the East Side of Providence demographic and accurately determined the opinions of all Rhode Islanders, especially older citizens who more readily vote,” said Father Bernard Healey, diocesan Governmental Liaison.
“It clearly illustrates that there is little time or support for the legalization of gay marriage in the midst of the more pressing concerns of our state. Rather, I think it shows that gay marriage is largely driven by a very vocal, well-organized and well-financed minority who are relentless in advancing their agenda to redefine marriage — radical proposition that most Rhode Islanders seem ready to oppose.”
