11/30: Voters Divide Over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Registered voters nationwide divide about the future of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  48% do not think the current Democratic Congress should repeal the law so that gay men and women can openly serve in the U.S. military while 47% do.  Just 5% of registered voters are unsure.

©istockphoto.com/PinkTag

“If you’re surprised by the controversy, look no further than the national poll numbers to see how polarized the electorate is on this issue,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.

Opinions divide along party lines.  A majority of Democrats — 56% — want the law repealed so that gay men and women can openly serve their country in the military while six in ten Republicans — 60% — believe the current law should remain in effect.  Among independent voters, 49% want the current Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  46% do not.

There is an age gap on this question.  A majority of voters under the age of 45 — 51% — want the law repealed.  In contrast, nearly half of those 45 and older — 49% — do not think Congress should change the current law.

Table: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

McClatchy-Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories from McClatchy:
Poll: Obama’s looking weak for re-election in 2012