A majority of Catholic voters in the U.S. now support same-sex marriage, according to a new poll conducted by Quinnipiac University.

The poll found that 54 percent of Catholic voters surveyed supported marriage equality for gays and lesbians, compared to 38 percent opposed.

St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

The same poll found that overall support for same-sex marriage among U.S. voters nationally, regardless of religious affiliation, now stands at 47 in favor, and 43 percent opposed. The Quinnipiac poll differs from other recent national polls that point to a majority of Americans support legalizing same-sex marriage.

“Catholic voters are leading American voters toward support for same-sex marriage,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

“Among all voters, there is almost no gender gap, but a big age gap. Voters 18 to 34 years old support same sex marriage 62 – 30 percent; voters 35 to 54 years old are divided 48 – 45 percent and voters over 55 are opposed 50 – 39 percent,” said Brown.

The poll also looked at how American Catholics view the Catholic Church.

Adult Catholics responded that they think the Church is out of touch with the views of American Catholics, as a majority disagree with key Church positions, such as its opposition to same-sex marriage.

Tags: Catholic Church, Poll, Quinnipiac Poll, Quinnipiac University

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