More than 50 pc Americans firmly support same-sex marriage, finds poll

More than 50 percent of Americans have said they support same-sex marriage for the third time in the past year, a new poll has found.

According to the Gallup Poll, the figure shows a remarkable shift in public attitudes over the past two decades. In 1996, just 27 percent of Americans said they supported same-sex marriage.

The poll found that just three years ago, the figure was only 44 percent.

The last three polls, in May 2011, November 2011 and Monday's release, have put the number at 53 percent, an all-time high, the Washington Times reports.

The change has largely been driven by young people. The Gallup Poll found that 70 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds support same-sex marriage. In 1996, it was just 41 percent, and in 2010, only 52 percent supported the same.

Support among other age groups also has increased, but by much less.

A dozen states now allow same-sex couples to marry, with Rhode Island and Delaware recently joining those ranks, the report added.