A majority of Rhode Islanders are in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, with support highest among Democrats and young people, according to a new survey released Tuesday.

The poll found 50% of Rhode Island voters favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally, with 41% opposed and 9% unsure. The General Assembly is considering legislation supported by Gov. Lincoln Chafee that would allow gay marriage here.

The survey of 544 voters in the state was conducted last Wednesday through Tuesday by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic-affiliated firm in Raleigh, N.C.

Self-identified Democrats were the most likely to support legalizing gay marriage, with 65% in favor. Independents were evenly split, with 47% in favor and 45% opposed. Among Republicans, only 12% favor the idea compared with 73% who oppose it.

Younger Rhode Islanders are far more likely than older residents to support gay marriage, with 62% of voters ages 18-29 in favor compared with only 39% of voters age 65 and older. About half of voters ages 30 to 65 support same-sex nuptials.

The poll also found women in Rhode Island are significantly more supportive of gay marriage than men, with 55% in favor and 34% opposed, compared with 43% of men in favor and 51% opposed.