A new survey from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) has found that 72% of Americans support LGBTQ+ rights and nondiscrimination protections, with backing remaining strong, but deeply divided along political, religious and generational lines.
The report, based on more than 22,000 respondents, also shows that support for same-sex marriage continues to rise, now sitting at 65% nationally, up from 53% in 2015. While Democrats (83%) and independents (69%) overwhelmingly support marriage equality, Republicans remain split, with 49% in favour.
At the same time, 59% of Americans oppose allowing businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ+ people on religious grounds, highlighting ongoing tensions between claims of religious freedom and civil rights protections.
When it comes to transgender rights, the findings are more complex. A clear majority (71%) agree that trans people deserve the same rights and protections as other Americans, but support drops when it comes to specific policies. For example, 56% of Americans back laws requiring trans people to use bathrooms based on sex assigned at birth.
The data also reveals notable divides within religious groups. While most Americans of faith support LGBTQ+ protections, levels vary widely depending on denomination, race and belief systems, with white evangelical Protestants among the least supportive overall.
Researchers also flagged a surprising generational shift: although younger Americans are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, support for protections among 18–29-year-olds has declined over the past decade, particularly among young Republicans.
PRRI CEO Melissa Deckman said the findings reflect both long-term progress and growing polarisation, with attitudes increasingly shaped by politics, religion and personal experience.
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