POLL: Majority of Republicans Would Attend a Same-Sex Marriage

A majority of Republicans say they would attend a same-sex wedding.

According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, 56 percent of Republicans would show up for the nuptials of a loved one marrying a same-sex partner.

While this figure still trails the attendance of Democrats (80 percent) and those who identify as independent (70 percent), it contrasts with the antigay views expressed by many in the Republican leadership.

In total, 68 percent of respondents said they would accept the same-sex wedding invitation, 19 percent would decline, and 13 percent were undecided.

The poll surveyed 567 Republicans, 751 Democrats, and 248 independents from April 23 through 27.

The numbers demonstrate how careful GOP presidential hopefuls must be in articulating their position on this issue.

Except for George Pataki, all of the major potential candidates are against marriage equality. But many -- including Rick Perry, Scott Walker, Jeb Bush, Carla Fiorina, and Bobby Jindal -- have said they would attend a same-sex wedding or reception.

Rick Santorum is currently the only presidential hopeful to say he would not attend such an event.