Spitzer has Support on Gay Marriage

Eliot Spitzer's plan to introduce a gay marriage bill in New York state is favored by almost two-thirds of the 1,022 respondents to a recent Crain's online poll.

About 63% of voters said they support a gay marriage law. If New York adopted the new legislation, it would become only the second state behind Massachusetts to legalize same-sex marriage.

"If two people love each other, who are we to say it [whether it can or can't be] with the same sex," said Alexandra Akira. "It's very simple."

Supporters also say same-sex couples should be afforded the same rights as heterosexual couples.

"Why should gay and lesbian couples pay taxes if they are not treated equally?" said Paul. Slee. "Right now the unavailability of gay marriage to gay couples is a matter of gross inequality, injustice and taxation without representation."

About 19% of those polled said they support civil unions as an alternative while 18% said that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman.

"Marriage has always been defined as being between a man and a woman," said Joe Wright. "A union between men or women simply should be called something else."

Mr. Spitzer has said the bill would have a very tough time actually gaining legislative approval. Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno has expressed strong opposition to legalizing gay marriage.