Minnesota for Marriage Coalition Says New National Survey Forecasts Results of Next Year's Vote to Preserve Marriage

MINNEAPOLIS, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Minnesota for Marriage Coalition, a broad-based group of community and faith leaders and organizations supporting next year's vote to preserve the definition of marriage as only one man and one woman in Minnesota's constitution, says a new national survey accurately forecasts the upcoming election.

The survey, conducted by the respected national polling firm, Public Opinion Strategies, for the Alliance Defense Fund, found that by a margin of 62 to 36 percent, Americans agreed with the statement that, "I believe marriage should be defined ONLY as the union between one man and one woman." Further, 53% of Americans strongly agreed with this statement.

The coalition noted that this is the question that will be before voters in Minnesota in 2012, and not questions that are used in other surveys on the issue.

"The results of the ADF poll show clearly that a strong majority of Americans, and surely a strong majority of Minnesotans, believe that marriage is a unique institution that should remain only between a man and a woman," said Jason Adkins, Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference and a member of the Minnesota for Marriage Coalition. "In the survey, voters saw marriage as 'special' and most importantly, they saw the direct connection between marriage, stable families, and the benefits to children."

"The proof is in the pudding," said Chuck Darrell, Director of Communications of the Minnesota Family Council. "With a glut of media polls and others on marriage out there, only one poll accurately reflects how voters have consistently voted on this issue.  Voters in 31 of 31 states that have cast ballots on marriage have preserved and protected traditional marriage.  The average margin of these elections has been in the mid-60 percent range, right in line with this new survey.  Proponents of redefining marriage can point to as many biased media polls as they want, but they can't argue with the facts.  By a margin of 40 million votes to 23 million votes across these 31 states; in every region of America; and in red, blue and purple states; when voters vote on marriage, they stand with us for one man-one woman marriage."

The ADF survey is available at this website, www.tellADF.org.

SOURCE Minnesota for Marriage Coalition