Earlier poll showed more opposition

An earlier Elon poll showed more opposition to gay marriage.

A 2004 survey by the Elon University Poll showed roughly the same level of support for gay marriage but much more opposition than a recent survey.

From a press release:

North Carolinians were closely divided about legalizing civil unions among homosexual couples. Forty-four percent said they support the idea, while 48 percent were opposed.

Divisions were more pronounced concerning legalizing gay marriages. Only 26 percent favored the idea, while 64 percent were opposed. Fifty-seven percent said they supported a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as occurring only between a man and a woman, while 34 percent were opposed.

The poll questions were not immediately available, though the wording of the press release is much different from the recent survey.

In addition, gay marriage was a hot topic in the 2004 elections.