A new Gallup poll has found that a majority of Americans believe gender transition is morally wrong, with more people approving of animal testing, the death penalty, and gambling than affirming trans identities.
The annual Values and Beliefs survey, released by the long-running analytics firm, asked Americans to assess the moral acceptability of 20 behaviours, regardless of legality. It revealed a significant divide in public opinion when it comes to gender identity and transition.
According to the poll:
- Only 40% of respondents said gender transition is morally acceptable
- 54% said it is morally wrong
- 5% either had no opinion or did not see it as a moral issue
Gender Transition Viewed Less Favourably Than Death Penalty, Animal Testing
The findings place gender transition below several controversial topics in terms of public moral approval:
- 47% said medical testing on animals is morally acceptable
- 56% approved of the death penalty
- 64% said gay and lesbian relationships are morally acceptable, with 33% in disagreement
The poll also confirmed birth control remains the most accepted behaviour, with 90% saying it’s morally acceptable. On the opposite end, 89% of respondents said it is morally wrong for a married person to have an affair.
Attitudes by Political Affiliation: A Deep Divide
As expected, party affiliation plays a major role in shaping views on trans issues:
- 71% of Democrats believe gender transition is morally acceptable
- Just 9% of Republicans agree
- That’s a 62-point difference, one of the largest gaps across any moral issue surveyed
Contradictions in Public Attitudes Toward Trans Youth
Despite the majority opinion that gender transition is morally wrong, most Americans still oppose anti-trans laws, particularly those targeting young people.
In a separate Gallup poll of 1,024 US adults (May 2024):
- 62% opposed laws that would ban gender-affirming care for under-18s
Similarly, an LA Times poll of 1,624 adults found:
- 67% of Americans support trans and non-binary people living as their authentic selves
These figures point to a contradiction in public opinion — with many Americans uncomfortable with the concept of transitioning, but opposing legislative efforts to restrict care or rights for transgender individuals.
A Shifting Moral Landscape
Gallup has tracked American moral beliefs for over two decades. While most views have remained consistent year-to-year, the organisation noted “modest changes” in attitudes toward abortion and gender transition in this latest poll.
With over 27 US states now having passed bans on gender-affirming care for minors, the public discourse around trans rights continues to grow increasingly politicised and polarised.
