A new poll conducted by the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies reveals that Virginians are now evenly divided on the issue of same-sex marriage, with 45 for and 46 against it. This is a dramatic departure from 2006, when it was 43 for and 57 against.

“Rarely does public opinion shift on a social issue as rapidly as it has for gay marriage,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science and international affairs and director of the center, as quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “While opposition of gay marriage remains stronger here than nationally, the rapid erosion of that opposition among Virginians in the years since the 2006 amendment is nothing short of astonishing.”