The majority of Iowans support same-sex marriage, according to a survey conducted by graduate students at Drake University.

In one of the few states in which same-sex marriage is legal, the authors surveyed 1,700 Iowans using more than 50 questions ranging from demographic information to adopting children and their opinion on same-sex marriage.

Results showed 61.3 percent of Iowans support same-sex marriage, and 48.5 percent of respondents believe same-sex marriage has had a positive effect on the people of Iowa.

The survey results also showed that 46.6 percent of respondents believe Iowa is viewed more favorably from a national perspective, as opposed to less favorably at 25.6 percent, and no change in opinion at 27.8 percent.

The survey also showed a majority of Iowans, 62.5 percent, do not support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

— by Hayley Bruce