A Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll shows almost half of New Jersey residents support gay marriage.

The poll, released Wednesday, says 48 percent of the state believes homosexuals should be allowed to marry. It also shows 50 percent of residents oppose any constitutional amendments similar to California?s Prop 8, which would ban gay marriage.

New Jersey currently allows gay couples to join in civil unions. While civil unions offer the legal protections of marriage, gay rights advocates are pushing lawmakers to allow full marriage in New Jersey.

According to the poll, 43 percent of New Jersey residents oppose gay marriage and 41 percent favors a constitutional ban.