How will the legalization of gay marriage change the political landscape? (party affiliation, generation)

[bchris02]

Probably the biggest wedge right now between liberal and conservative politics is on the issue of gay marriage. Many people on both sides of the issue vote the way they do on this issue alone. Many fiscal conservatives are voting Democrat because they can't support a homophobic party and many economic liberals are voting Republican because they can't support a party that supports same sex marriage. Question is, when it is legalized, how will that change the political landscape? Will it continue to be used as a wedge issue as abortion is today? I think legalized gay marriage would actually hurt the Democratic party the same way that if Roe v Wade were overturned the Republican party would lose a significant portion of its electorate. Thoughts?

[Melanzana92]

Support is becoming more bi-partisan. Many young republicans/conservatives actually support the cause. By the time my generation takes over, full-out marriage may not be nationwide, but I'm sure civil unions will be.

[StillwaterTownie]

Some young Republicans are changing party affiliation to Independent due to too much emphasis on abortion and gay issues. No wonder. Some have lost jobs. And that loony Republican candidate for senator in Delaware didn't help inspire confidence.