The Continuing Evolution of Blacks and Gay Marriage

The black community is moving towards acceptance of marriage equality

The views expressed in this Op-Ed do not reflect that of Loop 21.

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Last week, President Obama once again made history by coming out in support of same-sex marriage. It was an announcement that came after months of reflection, evolving and conversations with friends and family -- not to mention Vice President Biden’s getting ahead of the announcement. Not surprisingly, Obama's support sparked conversation and debate across the country.

Immediately, the far right and groups like the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) started salivating over this. They are ready to try and pull out the 2004 playbook and use gay marriage as a wedge issue. Mitt Romney’s surrogates have publicly said that they will campaign around the country trying to get state constitutional amendments against gay marriage on ballots.

But I don’t think that will work this time. The GOP may not want to hear this, but views are changing. As Pew notes, “In 2004, Americans younger than 30 were divided (48% opposed, 45% favored). Today, young people favor gay marriage by more than two-to-one (65% to 30%).” And overall, a majority of Americans support same-sex marriage.

[ALSO READ: Palin Rips Obama Over Gay Marriage Support]

And they are also changing among African-Americans. My colleagues at CAP put together an infographic (see on page 2) that shows the change in support among blacks and Latinos. Now, it is true, that support in the black community lags behind the rest of the country. But the important stat is the trend line. Like with the economy, what marriage equality advocates want to see are the trend lines moving in the right direction.