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Protesters, one holding a sign, stand as Pennsylvania transgender athlete Lia Thomas competes in the women’s 200 freestyle final at the NCAA swimming and diving championships.
In a striking display of bipartisan agreement, a recent New York Times/Ipsos survey revealed that 67% of Democrats oppose
transgender athletes
competing in women’s sports—a sentiment mirrored by 94% of Republicans. Overall, 79% of Americans believe biological males identifying as women should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports.
The survey, which polled 2,128 individuals, posed the question: “Thinking about transgender female athletes — meaning athletes who were male at birth but who currently identify as female — do you think they should or should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports?”
Survey highlights
- Democrats: 67% opposed, 3% declined to answer.
- Republicans: 94% opposed, 1% declined to answer.
- Independents: 64% opposed, with 26% refusing to respond.
The findings reflect a growing consensus on an issue that has sparked national debate, particularly during the 2024 presidential campaign. Former President Donald Trump made opposition to transgender athletes in women’s sports a central theme, galvanizing support among his base and moderate voters.
A Concerned Women for America exit poll further emphasized the issue’s prominence, with 70% of moderate voters identifying it as significant. Notably, 6% of respondents named it their top concern, while 44% deemed it “very important.”
Legislative push
The debate has now shifted to Capitol Hill. The
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act
, designed to bar transgender athletes from competing in women’s leagues, passed the House of Representatives with support from two Democrats. The bill is expected to advance in the Republican-controlled Senate and could be among the first laws signed by President-elect Trump.
Historical context
This isn’t the first time public opinion has leaned against transgender participation in women’s sports. A 2023 Gallup poll found that nearly 70% of Americans held similar views. Similarly, a 2024 NORC survey showed that 69% of respondents opposed adult transgender female athletes competing in women’s leagues.
The bigger picture
The issue has become a flashpoint in broader debates over gender identity, fairness, and inclusivity in sports. While opposition spans party lines, Democrats’ growing resistance to transgender athletes in women’s sports signals a significant shift in public opinion and highlights the complexities of this ongoing cultural debate.
English (US) · 