News

New Poll Shows Republicans Divided over Anti-family Constitutional Amendment

Poll Confirms that Republican Party Should Focus on Issues that Unite the GOP

April 7, 2005

(New Orleans, LA) – A new Wall Street Journal/NBC poll shows deep divisions in the Republican Party over the question of an anti-family Constitutional amendment. The poll, conducted by Peter Hart and Bill McInturff, shows the Republican Party deeply divided over a number of issues, including the federal marriage amendment. The poll showed 48% of Republicans support Congressional legislation banning same-sex marriage, while 47% of Republicans oppose such legislation. "This poll confirms what we've known for a while – there is no appetite to pass an unnecessary and discriminatory anti-family constitutional amendment, and there is certainly no consensus on this issue within the Republican Party," said Log Cabin Republicans President Patrick Guerriero.

The poll also reveals a continued hesitancy on the part of Republicans to expand the role of the federal government. According to the poll, 50% of Republicans believe the federal government should be less active on "social and moral issues" while only 37% believe it should be more active. "This poll shows that rank and file Republicans are hungry for a return to an ideology of a smaller, limited federal government. Republican leaders should take heed of these results," continued Guerriero.

"The party should focus on those issues that unite Republicans, like winning the war on terror and limiting the size and role of the federal government. A hopeful vision of the future and a united Republican Party, are the keys to building a sustainable GOP majority in the years ahead," concluded Guerriero.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the poll was based on nationwide telephone interviews of 1,002 American adults, conducted March 31-April 3 by the polling organizations of Peter Hart and Bill McInturff and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 points.