The survey highlighted shifting attitudes among blacks, divisions among Latinos and the strong influence of clergy on their congregations' views on gay rights.

Results showed that Latinos, at 30%, were more likely than white Californians, at 22%, to report becoming more supportive of homosexual rights. African Americans, meanwhile, resembled Californians in general, with 26% saying they had become more supportive, compared with 11% who had become more opposed.

If a vote similar to that on Proposition 8 were held tomorrow, a majority of Californians said they would cast ballots in favor of allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry, according to the survey.

"We have some good evidence here of the way the wind is blowing ... in a more positive direction for the rights of gays and lesbians," Robert P. Jones, chief executive of the Public Religion Research Institute, said in an interview.