A major new study indicates that a significant majority of Americans continue to support legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, even as the nation remains sharply split along political, religious and generational lines. The research from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) found that 72% of the public favour laws that shield LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination.
The comprehensive report, drawing on responses from more than 22,000 people, also charts a steady rise in support for same-sex marriage. National backing now stands at 65%, a notable increase from 53% in 2015. This support, however, is not uniform across the political spectrum. While 83% of Democrats and 69% of independents favour marriage equality, Republicans are almost evenly divided, with 49% in support.
Furthermore, the survey highlights a public reluctance to permit religious exemptions that would allow businesses to deny service to LGBTQ+ customers. Nearly six in ten Americans (59%) oppose such refusals, underscoring the persistent tension between claims of religious freedom and established civil rights.
Attitudes towards transgender rights present a more complex picture. A clear majority of 71% agree that transgender people deserve equal rights and protections. Yet support diminishes on specific policy questions; for instance, 56% of respondents back laws requiring individuals to use public bathrooms that correspond with their sex assigned at birth.
The data reveals significant variations within religious communities. Although most religious Americans support LGBTQ+ protections, levels of support differ markedly by denomination, race, and belief. White evangelical Protestants are identified as among the least supportive groups overall.
Researchers noted a surprising trend among younger adults. Despite being more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ themselves, support for nondiscrimination protections among 18 to 29-year-olds has declined over the past ten years. This drop is particularly pronounced among young Republicans.
Commenting on the findings, PRRI's Chief Executive Melissa Deckman stated that the results reflect both enduring societal progress and increasing polarisation. She observed that attitudes are now more than ever being shaped by political affiliation, religious identity, and personal experience.
