California's religious community appear to be divided over the gay marriage issue.

On Wednesday, Episcopal bishops of Los Angeles and San Francisco said they oppose the November ballot initiative to ban gay marriage in The Golden State. This counters the response in support of the initiative from leaders of Evangelical churches, the Roman Catholic Church and the Mormon Church.

Florida's Republican governor is backing away from that state's proposed marriage amendment. Charles Crist told the Sun-Sentinel that while he supports keeping marriage between one man and one woman, he won't campaign for it.

A poll released this week shows 55 percent of Florida voters back the proposed ban on gay marriage. By law, 60 per cent is necessary to get the amendment passed.