Most Americans, Including Republicans, Believe Republican Attacks on LGBTQIA+ Rights Are Excessive
A new poll conducted by Data For Progress found that a majority of US voters, including Republicans, believe anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation is “excessive, political theatre” designed to increase division. The poll showed that 72 per cent of Democrats, 65 per cent of Independents, and 55 per cent of Republicans think that there is “too much legislation” aimed at limiting the rights of transgender and gay people in America.
With nearly 430 separate bills making their way through various state legislatures this year alone, a majority of voters believe the Republican Party is using LGBTQIA+ rights as a “wedge issue” to gain political advantage and sow division.
Erin Thomas, Grace Adcox and Lew Blank, pollsters at Data For Progress, called on political leaders to, “call out Republicans on their manipulative political tactics,” and to use their platforms to raise awareness of queer people and queer issues.
The poll also found that 56 per cent of likely Democratic voters believe the party should be doing more to advocate for queer and trans people, while 63 per cent of Independent or third-party voters agreed.
Republican narratives surrounding trans identities also appear to be unpopular among potential voters, with 57 per cent agreeing “that transgender identities occur naturally when free societies permit individuals to identify outside of societal norms, whereas only 33 per cent view transgender identities as a ‘woke’ invention.”
Data For Progress concluded that “knowing trans people and experiencing queer culture significantly improves likely voters’ support for trans and queer rights” and called for increased public awareness and understanding of transgender and queer people.
