It’s not a huge surprise, but a Pew Research Center poll on gay marriage shows that opponants of same-sex marriage are motivated far more by religion than by a desire to protect children. (In contrast, the conservative intelligentsia tend to argue that it’s all about the children).
Of the people who oppose gay marriage, 28% said the main reason they object to same-sex marriage is “morally wrong / a sin / the Bible says.” Another 17% said it’s “against my religion.” On the other hand, only 6% mentioned children as the main reason to oppose gay marriage..
So, why is this issue not seen as an essential freedom of religion issue? It can be done without trashing the religious, the term Religious Extremists should come rolling off our lips.