President Barack Obama has long stated that with respect to marriage equality, his attitude was “evolving.” Today that evolution came to completion as the president came out in full support for marriage equality for same-sex couples. His affirmation that all couples deserve the same rights and responsibilities of marriage marks a significant step in realizing this country’s promise of equality for all.
The American public has also evolved on this issue, with more and more Americans affirming their support for marriage equality every year. Let’s take a closer look at how public opinion has evolved over time and how President Obama’s announcement now puts him among the ranks of the majority of Americans who support marriage equality.
Sophia Kerby is a Special Assistant with Progress 2050 at the Center for American Progress. Crosby Burns is a Research Associate with the LGBT Progress team at the Center for American Progress.