By a two-to-one margin, a new poll finds that most Americans don't want laws in their states that would legalize gay marriage.

But the National Annenberg Election Survey also found that Americans generally aren't eager to see a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

The survey found that Americans oppose same-sex marriage laws by 60 percent to 31 percent. But 49 percent of those surveyed opposed a constitutional amendment, while 42 percent supported it.

Adam Clymer, political director of the survey, said that the wording of the questions in this area has a great effect on results. Earlier, the group asked "Would you favor or oppose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would allow marriage ONLY between a man and a woman?" That time, 59 percent favored an amendment and 33 percent did not, even though the percentages opposing gay marriages were almost identical to the recent survey.

The latest question asked was, "Would you favor or oppose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution saying that no state can allow two men to marry each other or two women to marry each other."

The White House is still reviewing the issue. Some conservative groups have been pushing the president to get involved. The poll was taken after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled last week that it violates that states Constitution to not allow same-sex marriages.

The court also said that a civil union law would not suffice.

Some legislators are considering a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, but it could not be approved until 2006. The state may have to start offering licenses to same-sex couples as early as this spring.