Over the past several decades, attitudes toward same-sex marriage have shifted from conservative to more liberal in the United States. Many factors, such as the change in attitudes of older generations, as well as wider acceptance by younger generations, have contributed to this change in perspective. But despite the support the gay and lesbian community is gaining, many still oppose same-sex marriage and rights, and most states still ban its legalization. Despite all the opposition, however, within the next thirty years, acceptance of same-sex marriage will continue to grow resulting in changes to the law that will allow same-sex marriage in most states. Although same-sex marriage is illegal in most states, the trend in attitudes among Americans has increased dramatically over the past three decades. Study after study consistently shows increased tolerance for same-sex marriage, demonstrating that Americans' attitudes have been liberalized over time. Studies show that in 1988, 71% of Americans were against the idea of ​​a man marrying another man and a woman marrying another woman, but that percentage dropped to 52% in 2006 (Baunach, 2011, p. 347). Another poll, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, agrees, showing that support for same-sex marriage has increased significantly over the course of ten years; in 1988 same-sex marriage received support from only 11% of respondents, but this figure jumped to 46% in 2010 (Madrid & Rice, 2013, p. 45). Currently, in 2012, Gallup polls have indicated that half of Americans believe that not only should same-sex marriage be legalized, but that they should also receive the same benefits and receive the same level of recognition as traditional marriage. half of the document ......w that allow same-sex marriage in most states. ReferencesBaunach, D. (2011). Breaking down trends in attitudes toward gay marriage, 1988-2006. Social Science Quarterly, 92(2), 346-363. Harris, A., & Cole, G. W. (2008). Conversation on Marriage for Lesbian and Gay People: Introduction to the Roundtable on Gay and Lesbian Marriage. Gender and Sexuality Studies, 9(2), 140-145. doi:10.1080/15240650801936949Madrid, J., & Rice, S. (2013). Examining cynicism about the reasons for gay marriage. Review of European Studies, 5(1), 45-51. doi:10.5539/res.v5n1p45Murphy, T. F. (2011). Same-sex marriage: Not a threat to marriage or children. Journal of Social Philosophy, 42(3), 288-304. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9833.2011.01534.xWilliams, R. (2011). Homosexual marriage and equality. Ethical theory and moral practice, 14(5),589-595. doi:10.1007/s10677-010-9261-8