WASHINGTON—A record 55 percent of American voters support civil unions for gay and lesbian couples in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, released last week.

Just 42 percent of those polled opposed civil unions. Support was highest in the East and West, and lower in the Midwest and South. Fewer men—51 percent—supported civil unions than women—59 percent. Age also made a difference, with 66 percent of voters under age 30 supporting civil unions, compared to just 44 percent of those over age 65.

Whites were also more supportive—56 percent—while 45 percent of blacks said yes to unions. A surprising 61 percent of white Catholics were supportive, as were 66 percent of non-Evangelical white Protestants. Political party affiliation made a difference, with 66 percent of Democrats in favor of civil unions, compared to 58 percent of independents and just 39 percent of Republicans.