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New Yorkers are split right down the middle over whether the state should legalize homosexual marriage.

While 50 percent of respondents say gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry, 25 percent say they should be able to form civil unions only and 25 percent say there should be no legal recognition.

That question asks New Yorkers what they want the state Legislature to do.

When it comes to personal beliefs, it is a little different, with a slight majority actually opposed to same sex marriage. About 53 percent of adults say they believe marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

Forty-six percent say it should not only be that way and 2 percent are not sure.

Opposition is driven by men, Republicans and Tea Party supporters, and those who are non-white.

Only 44 percent of men support legalization, versus 55 percent of women.

Among white people, 57 percent support legalization, but only 40 percent of non-whites approve.

Supporters and opponents and their state senators are now targets of a dueling ad war, with special interest groups on both sides lobbying hard ahead of a possible vote this spring.

Advocates paint themselves as plain couples just wanting the same rights as everyone else, while opponents warn of "consequences."

The battle has been a multimillion-dollar industry for the hearts and minds of state senators. But two years ago the bill was voted down 38-24, when Democrats were in power.

Republicans are now in charge and Governor Andrew Cuomo says the State Senate should not take it up again unless the votes are there. That's currently an iffy proposition.

The State Assembly, meanwhile, has already passed it three times.

This poll's margin of error is +/- 4.5 percentage points.