Majority of Republicans Say Trans People Are Making Kids Trans

A majority of Republicans say they believe transgender people are trying to turn children trans, according to a new poll by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

That finding was one of several indicating support for extremist ideas among Republicans in the survey, which was released Wednesday. It was conducted in late April by the SPLC, a watchdog organization that monitors hate groups, and Tulchin Research.

"We found that the ideas underpinning the white nationalist 'great replacement' narrative recently cited by an alleged white supremacist terrorist in Buffalo, New York, have become thoroughly mainstream on the political right," says an article on the SPLC's website. "Nearly 7 in 10 Republicans surveyed agree to at least some extent that demographic changes in the United States are deliberately driven by liberal and progressive politicians attempting to gain political power by 'replacing more conservative white voters.'"

"We also uncovered a widespread feeling -- especially among right-leaning Americans -- that transgender people and 'gender ideology' pose a threat to children and society at large," the article continues. "These anti-LGBTQ, misogynistic and racist narratives have been promoted by many Republican politicians and other powerful right-wing figures, helping the ideas infiltrate the mainstream and contributing to an increasingly volatile and dangerous political environment."

Sixty-three percent of Republican respondents agreed that trans people "are trying to indoctrinate children into their lifestyle," according to the SPLC. The proportion was far lower among independents and Democrats. Forty-two percent agreed overall.

Among the entire survey group, 30 percent agreed with the statement that trans people are a threat to children. That opinion was held by including 23 percent of Democrats, 39 percent of Republicans, and 27 percent of independents.

The SPLC also asked respondents if they agreed that "gender ideology has corrupted American culture." "The term 'gender ideology' is widespread on the right, and generally refers to a belief that LGBTQ people are a threat to children and families and that men and women should adhere to 'traditional' notions of masculinity and femininity," the group notes. Forty-nine percent of respondents said they believe gender ideology has corrupted American culture, including 34 percent of Democrats, 72 percent of Republicans, and 45 percent of independents.

The survey asked about a variety of other issues, including support for Black Lives Matter, beliefs about whether the 2020 presidential election was "stolen" from Donald Trump, and whether political violence is acceptable.

"Our survey shows that the hard right could make greater political gains and, in the process, further erode our democracy and create conditions -- through activism, policy and violence -- that would disproportionately harm communities that continue to be marginalized in our society," the SPLC reports. "No political outcomes are inevitable. But our results show that a substantial effort, on the part of activists, institutions, and government, will be required if we hope to secure a multiracial democracy and prevent partisan violence."