Poll shows strong U.S. and Utah support for bans on transgender women in sports
A new survey finds most Americans and an even larger share of Utah voters favor laws that bar transgender women from competing on women’s teams.
A recent one outlet/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll reveals that a majority of Americans (63%) and an even higher proportion of Utah voters (68%) approve laws preventing transgender women and girls from participating on female sports teams. Support is strongest among men, older generations, and Republican identifiers, while Democrats show more division. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult with 2,102 national and 744 Utah respondents, also notes that a sizable minority—about a quarter—oppose such bans.
These attitudes follow the Supreme Court’s June decision affirming state bans, including Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which has enabled similar legislation in 26 states. In Utah, the 2022 law restricting transgender participation in K-12 sports aligns with the public’s growing endorsement of gender-based eligibility rules.
Why it matters
Public backing for transgender sports bans influences future state legislation and reflects broader cultural debates.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage frames the ballot initiative as an invasive measure that targets a tiny number of trans athletes and is opposed by Democratic leaders, while right-leaning coverage emphasizes strong public support for bans, citing poll numbers and personal stories of women affected.
LEFT
Frames the proposal as invasive, targeting a very small number of trans participants and opposed by Democratic officials
RIGHT
Frames the issue as widely popular, highlighting poll support and personal impact stories of women competing against biological males
The left emphasises
- targets a tiny number of trans participants—fewer than ten statewide
- mandates invasive sex-verification exams or tests
- Democratic leaders urge a “no” vote
The right emphasises
- 63% of Americans and 68% of Utah voters support bans on transgender women in sports
- support strongest among men, older generations, and Republican identifiers
- personal accounts of women facing biological males in girls’ sports and locker rooms
In this story
