A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland passed 72-67 in the House of Delegates Friday, and will continue to the Senate for a final vote later this week.

Amy Becker, an assistant professor in the department of mass communication and communication studies, and Dietram Scheufele from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, co-authored a research article in June 2011 about gay marriage and public opinion toward controversial political issues.

The article, “New Voters, New Outlook?  Predispositions, Social Networks, and the Changing Politics of Gay Civil Rights,” focuses on public acceptance of homosexuality and support for same-sex marriage.

Becker used two different data sets to provide an in-depth look into influences concerning the public acceptance of homosexuality and policy support of same-sex marriage, along with political engagement between age groups.

One highlight from Becker’s article involves gender and acceptance of same-sex relationships. According to the article, men were “significantly less likely to publicly accept homosexuality.”

Of the 47 Maryland senators, 11 are female and 36 are male.

The article also states that there isn’t a large difference of gender acceptance in those of ages 35 and under. Younger generations were found to be more willing to engage in debates about same-sex marriage.

Becker said that social contacts and involvement with people in the LGBT community have made the issue of same-sex marriage more personal for this generation.

“Young people are moving the issue forward,” she said. “I think they are because it’s not as controversial for them. What’s moving is the rate of contacts in their social network. Most are likely to have members that are part of the LGBT community and that makes it easier for young people who might be gay or lesbian to feel comfortable in those groups. A lot of the folks who changed their minds in Maryland did because their connections of all whom it affects. It’s much more about knowing someone who could be affected by the law.”

Some students said they agree with Becker’s study results. Junior health science major Vanessa Pierre-Louis said she supports same-sex marriage, and her viewpoint was affected by people she met in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

“I feel like people should have the same opportunities,” she said. “I don’t have a problem with same-sex marriage. I have gay friends, lesbian friends. And they love like everyone else. I feel because I know these people, I have a different view. Before I met these people, I was against it. I was saying being gay is wrong. I was really religious at the time and thought they weren’t living right. But actually meeting someone changes people.”

Other students disagreed with the study. Junior business major Eric DeVinney said the opinions of others don’t have a strong influence on his beliefs.

“I don’t really think it affects your preferences. It’s really what your preferences are,” DeVinney said. “I don’t think anyone’s going to have a [large] effect on it.”

If the bill passes, those opposed may attempt a repeal-referendum, which would give the opportunity to craft a petition. If 55,736 valid voters sign the petition, the bill would be suspended from taking effect and force a November statewide vote on the issue.

Becker said she is in the process of researching for two more articles that will focus on the importance of marriage and how knowing an LGBT individual in a social context affects opinions on same-sex marriage.

“It’s really relevant right now and especially Maryland. I think the bill is going to pass and I think people will push it to referendum. The whole state will be voting in November then,” Becker said. “It will be an interesting 2012 with all the issues.”