LANSING, MI -- Michigan Family Forum announced today the results of a poll surveying voters on their views of marriage and divorce. The statewide survey of 500 registered voters was conducted from November 18-24 by Mitchell Research & Communications on behalf of Michigan Family Forum.

A hefty 87 percent of registered voters agree that divorce is a problem in our society and 62 percent believe something should be done to reduce the number of divorces. Consistent with previous polls conducted on the issue, this poll indicates significant support for positive steps to create healthy marriages and steps to protect children of divorce. The poll indicated more tepid support for punitive measures.

A full 80 percent of those polled support a requirement for divorcing couples to attend a divorce education program if they have minor children. Support for premarital education programs is equally strong, with 81 percent of respondents saying such programs help strengthen marriages and reduce divorce problems. Sixty-one percent said they would even support a $50 tax credit to help couples pay for a premarital education program.

"Michigan voters do not view marriage as an institution without value and they are not supportive of couples ending their marriage without some consideration to the impact it will have on their children," said Dan Jarvis, Research and Policy Director at Michigan Family Forum. "In general, the public does not want to get too involved in a couple’s marriage, but they also don’t believe marriage is only a private relationship between two adults. People know that marriages that succeed have a positive impact on society while those that fail place a burden on all of us," added Jarvis.

The poll showed consistent support from individuals regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation or region of residence. A divorce education program for couples with minor children is supported by African Americans (76.2%) and Caucasians (80.3%), men (78.9%) and women (79.1%), Democrats (76%), Independents (80.3%), and Republicans (83.8%), Protestants ((79.6%) and Catholics (85.4%), city of Detroit 80.6%), West Michigan (81.1%), Central Lower Michigan (82%), and Northern Michigan (84.7%).

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