A recent survey by Data For Progress indicates a significant shift in public opinion regarding legislative interference in gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Over the past three years, 21 states have imposed bans or restrictions on such care, facing pushback from parents and healthcare professionals who advocate for the lifesaving nature of this care. However, the poll reveals that a substantial 76% of likely voters believe decisions about transgender youth care should be made by parents or medical practitioners, not legislators.
Details of the Poll
The survey asked participants who should have the final say in accessing gender-affirming care for trans youth. 54% of respondents believe that the parents should make this decision, while 22% think it should be in the hands of doctors. Only 12% feel state lawmakers should determine access to this care. Interestingly, even among Republicans, only 16% support legislative decision-making in this matter.
Waning Political Advantage
The survey’s findings come in the wake of significant defeats in the 2023 elections for candidates who centered their campaigns on anti-trans youth rhetoric. This trend suggests that targeting trans youth is not the “political winner” some Republicans believed it to be. This year, initiatives like Moms For Liberty and Project 1776, which backed candidates with anti-trans platforms, saw a 70% failure rate in their races.
Transgender Bill of Rights
The survey also touched on the subject of a transgender bill of rights, proposed in Senate Resolution 144, which aims to codify rights like medical care, education, housing, and employment for transgender people. This proposal garners support from 48% of respondents, with 43% opposing it.
Changing Political Landscape
These findings reflect a broader trend where voters increasingly oppose politicizing trans issues. Previous polls, including a Fox News survey, have shown a general consensus against making attacks on trans youth a political focus. As political candidates approach the 2024 elections, those who have prioritized anti-trans policies, especially regarding youth care, may find their positions less popular than anticipated in swing districts.
A Call for Non-Legislative Solutions
The Data For Progress survey underscores a growing public sentiment that decisions regarding gender-affirming care for trans youth are best left to families and medical professionals, not legislators. This perspective advocates for a more personalized and less politicized approach to transgender care, aligning with the principles of medical autonomy and individual rights. As the political discourse continues, this poll offers a crucial insight into the evolving public opinion on transgender rights and healthcare.