Texas Reaches Marriage Tipping Point

According to a new independent poll conducted by Texas Tech, for the first time more Texans support marriage equality than oppose it. But only barely.

“Texas remains a conservative state, and the overwhelming majority of citizens consider themselves Republicans,” said Mark McKenzie, associate professor of political science who instructs the class that did the survey. “For Democrats to stand a chance of carrying Texas, they either must convince Texans to switch their party loyalties or capture all independent and Democratic voters. There is absolutely no room for error on the part of the Democrats.”

On the other hand, McKenzie said, even though Texas remains a conservative state, attitudes about gay marriage have changed in Texas during the last year. “In the past, support for gay marriage in this state was below 40 percent,” he said. “Now, were closely divided on the issue. 48 percent of Texans think gay marriage should be recognized whereas 47 percent are against. Democrats and Independents strongly support gay marriage, while Republicans are strongly opposed to it.”

The poll also shows that 44% of Texans approve of the Tea Party.