Record Number of Americans Support Marriage Equality As Laws Sweep Across U.S.

A record 60 percent of Americans say they support the right for same-sex couples to marry, as that right reaches 37 states and Washington, D.C., according to data from the Human Rights Campaign released this week.

That number has grown in the few months since October 2014, when 56 percent of Americans said they were in favor of marriage rights for same-sex couples. In states where marriage equality is legal, the numbers are as high as 64 percent, and among those who are friends with married or committed same-sex couples, the amount of support is 75 percent.

Interestingly, those who took the poll, which was conducted in late January, were read a quote from Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, admonishing the "redefinition" of marriage.

"I think if the court steps in at this moment and says that we are redefining marriage and that same-sex marriage will be the law in every land, I think you will create a firestorm of opposition," Perkins said. "This will be the straw that broke the camel's back. When you look at a nation that is so divided along these moral and cultural issues, you could have a revolt or revolution. I think you could see Americans saying, 'You know what? Enough of this.' And I think it could explode and just break this nation apart."

When asked whether they agree or disagree with Perkins' argument, 70 percent said they disagreed, including 57 percent of Republicans. Even among the group who opposes marriage equality, 49 percent disagreed with Perkins' dire predictions.