Transgender Rights Support Crosses Religious, Political Lines

There is overwhelming public support equal rights for transgender people, according to a new survey by the Public Religion Research Institute.

"Approximately 9 in 10 (89%) Americans -- including strong majorities of all religious and partisan groups -- agree that transgender people deserve the same rights and protections as other Americans," the institute reports.

The survey, released earlier this month, was conducted in August and September. This fall, Chaz Bono's appearance on Dancing With the Stars brought increased attention to transgender issues.

Among the institute's findings are that there is support for equal rights for transgender people by 83% of white evangelical Protestants, 90% of white mainline Protestants, 93% of Catholics, and 95% of the religiously unaffiliated. Among political groups, there was support from 86% of Republicans, 92% of Democrats, and 94%, of Independents.

There was broad-based support for Congress to enact transgender rights legislation and for laws covering hate crimes based on gender identity. Read more here.