In recent decades, attitudes in the United States toward same-sex marriage have shifted from conservative to more liberal. Many factors, such as changing attitudes among older generations, as well as greater acceptance among younger generations, have contributed to this change in perspective. But even with the support the gay and lesbian community enjoys, many still oppose same-sex marriage and its rights, and most states still prohibit its legalization. Despite all the opposition, over the next thirty years acceptance of same-sex marriage will continue to grow, leading to changes in the law allowing same-sex marriage in most states. Even though same-sex marriage is illegal in most states. , the trend in Americans' attitudes has increased significantly over the past three decades. Study after study consistently shows an increase in tolerance for same-sex marriage, proving that Americans' attitudes have 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 this figure dropped to 52% in 2006 (Baunach, 2011, p.347). Another survey, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, confirmed this trend, showing that support for same-sex marriage increased dramatically over ten years; in 1988, same-sex marriage was supported by only 11% of respondents, but this increased to 46% in 2010 (Madrid and Rice, 2013, p. 45). Currently, in 2012, Gallup polls indicate that half of Americans believe that not only should same-sex marriage be legalized, but that they should also receive the same benefits and level of recognition as traditional marriage..... . middle of document ......w which allow same-sex marriage in most states. ReferencesBaunach, D. (2011). Breaking down trends in attitudes toward same-sex marriage, 1988-2006. Social Science Quarterly, 92(2), 346-363. Harris, A. and Cole, G. W. (2008). Lesbian and Gay Marriage Conversation: Introduction to the Lesbian and Gay Marriage Roundtable. Gender and Sexuality Studies,9(2), 140-145. doi:10.1080/15240650801936949Madrid, J. and Rice, S. (2013). Examining cynicism regarding the reasons for same-sex marriage. Journal 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). Same-sex marriage and equality. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 14(5),589-595. doi:10.1007/s10677-010-9261-8