Support for gay nuptials surges, even among groups once wary

NEW YORK — In the two years since same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide, support for it has surged even among groups that recently were broadly opposed, according to a new national survey.

The Pew Research Center survey found that for the first time, a majority of blacks and baby boomers support allowing gays and lesbians to wed.

Overall, 62 percent of Americans now support same-sex marriage, the highest level in 20 years of Pew polling on the issue.

Among baby boomers, support is now at 56 percent — up from 46 percent a year ago.

Support among blacks has risen from 39 percent to 51 percent in two years.

Among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents, 48 percent oppose same-sex marriage and 47 percent support it. In 2013, 61 percent were opposed.