The tide is turning: Public opinion favoring gay partnerships increased from 47 percent to 63 percent between 2004 and 2008

Governments and citizens are accepting gay partnerships at a rapid pace. The recent Iowa court’s meaningful decision was followed four days later by the Vermont Legislature’s legalizing gay marriage over Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto. Then the Washington, D.C., City Council unanimously voted to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. And President Obama personally invited families headed by gay and lesbian couples to this year’s Easter Egg Roll.

Barb Shelly, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist writes: “…the tide of public opinion is pulling toward acceptance. Polling by Newsweek shows that the percentage of the public that favors legal recognition of gay partnerships — either through marriage or civil unions — increased from 47 percent to 63 percent between 2004 and 2008.

“The rationale against same-sex marriages was weak in the abstract. There was never any evidence to suggest that gay and lesbian unions would weaken the institution of marriage, or harm children. Now that same-sex marriages are becoming reality, the grounds on which to oppose them are even shakier. Gay and lesbian partners are good neighbors. They raise happy, well-adjusted children. They lead parents’ committees in schools, and coach soccer teams. It is difficult to oppose a way of life that looks a lot like one’s own.”