Wednesday | November 4, 2009 | 9:44 am
I know yesterday’s results in Maine might be disappointing, but this chart from Columbia statistician Jeff Lax can provide some insight. Maine’s acceptance of gay marriage by age range averages at about the 50% mark. Since older folks are far more likely to go out and vote, it follows that a gay marriage law won’t pass yet. The silver lining, however, depends on how opinions of gay marriage change over time. If the belief and acceptance of the 18-44 year old crowd now remains the same as they age, it’s only a matter of time before the dominant majority supports and legalizes gay marriage.

I know yesterday’s results in Maine might be disappointing, but this chart from Columbia statistician Jeff Lax can provide some insight.

Maine’s acceptance of gay marriage by age range averages at about the 50% mark. Since older folks are far more likely to go out and vote, it follows that a gay marriage law won’t pass yet.

The silver lining, however, depends on how opinions of gay marriage change over time. If the belief and acceptance of the 18-44 year old crowd now remains the same as they age, it’s only a matter of time before the dominant majority supports and legalizes gay marriage.