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Recent findings from a survey conducted by the American Principles Project reveal that taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries are widely opposed by voters. This sentiment poses significant challenges for the Democratic Party as it prepares for midterm elections.
Terry Schilling, the executive director of the American Principles Project, shared insights about the survey. He mentioned that the organization’s goal is to inform both Americans and legislators about the public’s views on funding gender identity programs, particularly in healthcare. These discussions come at a crucial time when Congress is deliberating over spending bills and reconciliation efforts.
The poll, which included 1,500 respondents and was conducted in early April, highlighted that 43% of individuals who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in the previous election oppose the use of taxpayer money for gender transition procedures. This includes surgeries and hormone treatments.
Schilling noted that this level of opposition among Democrat voters is higher than usual. The American Principles Project is recognized as a socially conservative nonprofit advocacy group.
In the months leading up to the last presidential election, the Trump administration produced high-profile advertisements targeting concerns over transgender participation in women’s sports. One notable advertisement claimed that while Harris supports gender identity politics, Trump stands for more traditional values.
The focus of those campaigns extended to Harris’s record on facilitating gender transition policies, including procedures for incarcerated individuals in California.
The survey indicates a broader societal discomfort with taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures, revealing that nearly 66% of Americans are against government funding for these initiatives. It is important to note that the survey did not distinguish between minors and adults in its questioning.
Schilling emphasized that Democratic leaders are facing a dilemma. They must balance the interests of a small fraction of their base, approximately 20-30%, who support taxpayer-funded gender surgeries, against the views of swing voters who express strong opposition. He warned that this situation may not end well for the party.
In 2021, former President Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at expanding anti-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly within healthcare and educational environments. His administration has also advocated for state initiatives that integrate transgender treatments into essential health benefits as outlined by the Affordable Care Act.
Schilling believes that Trump’s continued focus on this issue is shifting public opinion toward Republican viewpoints. He stated that increased awareness and discussion around gender surgeries have contributed to a growing number of individuals aligning with Republican positions on these matters.
The survey also posed a critical question regarding the upcoming elections. Respondents were asked about their voting preferences if they knew that a Democratic candidate supported using federal tax dollars for gender transition procedures. The results revealed that 52% would choose the Republican candidate, while only 39% would support the Democrat.
Since his inauguration, Trump has taken a firm stance against what he describes as
