Poll: Over 60 Percent of Americans Oppose ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bills

A new poll found that more than six out of 10 Americans are against legislation prohibiting classroom discussion over sexual orientation or gender identity.

The ABC News/Ipsos poll discovered that 62 percent of respondents oppose such legislation and 37 percent support it.

Results from the poll showed "a lopsided disapproval" for similar proposed laws such as the one that passed Florida's legislature last week, ABC News reports. That bill is waiting for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign it into law. He's already expressed support for the legislation.

Republicans were more likely to support the legislation at 61 percent, while 20 percent of Democrats and 35 percent of independents supported it.

The poll found support for "don't say gay" bills rose with age, but there wasn't majority support in any age group -- 43 percent of those 65 and older said they support them, but only around a third support them who are under 50.

Poll respondents who were LGBTQ+ said they opposed the legislation at 87 percent. Those who did not identify as LGBTQ+ said they opposed the legislation at 59 percent, according to ABC News.

The legislation in Florida states that classroom lessons "may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards."

If DeSantis signs the bill, it would go into effect July 1.

LGBTQ+ advocates say the bill will harm LGBTQ+ youth and erase queer representation and history. Supporters say parents are best to have such conversations.

Comparable legislation has started to make its way through other state legislatures, including in Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, and Oklahoma.