A just released poll from Brown University shows solid support for same-sex marriage in Rhode Island, with 60 percent in favor of such unions and 31 percent opposed.

A larger majority -- 75 percent of respondents--said they would favor a civil unions bill were one to emerge.

The results may further intensify the gay-marriage debate that has heated up in the wake of the legalization of such nuptials in every other New England state. Until now, the only recent opinion poll was conducted by Marriage Equality RI, the pro gay-marriage group, and was therefore considered by some unreliable.

The Brown poll, run by the Taubman Center for Public Policy, also asked respondents if they could choose between same sex marriage, civil unions, or no change to the law, how would they vote? Fifty-five percent of respondents said they would support gay marriage, while 22 percent support civil unions, but not marriage. Fifteen percent opposed the idea of same-sex couples being allowed to obtain legal recognition of their relationship.

The poll also found that President Obama continues to have substantial support in Rhode Island, with 74 percent of respondents approving of his job as president, with 36 percent believing the president has done an "excellent" job, and 38 percent saying his performance has been "good."

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed's work got similarly positive reviews, with 26 percent giving his performance an "excellent."

Local legislators including Governor Carcieri got lower marks. Just 7 percent saw his work as "excellent," though 29 percent said he was doing a "good" job. Among those interested in replacing the term-limited governor, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Attorney General Patrick Lynch and General Treasurer Frank Caprio all got mid-range reviews.

On the nation's economy, the poll showed continued jitters from surveyed Rhode Islanders, 52 percent of which rated the nation's performance as poor. Even more -- 75 percent -- said Rhode Island's economy was doing poorly.

The full text of the poll, including responses, is available on the Brown University website.