A new national survey reveals that a growing number of Americans today believe that discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people in workplaces and in public accommodations is wrong.
The Harris Poll is based on those who agreed to participate in the survey and is highly regarded throughout the world.
The new survey informed respondents that federal law prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodations (e.g., at a retail store, library, courthouse, or restaurant), housing and credit, on the basis of race, national origin, sex, religion or disability, but there is no federal law today that protects someone who is gay or transgender from discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing or credit. When asked if they would favour or oppose such a law, 2 out of 3 (67%) Americans agreed, with 36% saying they “strongly support” a federal law, while, by contrast, only 15% saying they “strongly oppose” such a law.
Americans were also asked whether they were more or less likely to purchase goods and services from, or to work for, companies that are opposed to North Carolina’s HB2 law – or whether it has no effect on their preferences. The poll revealed that 72% of Americans were more likely (26%) or as likely (46%) to purchase goods and services from these companies. When asked about the likelihood to work for these companies that oppose HB2, 71% said they were more likely or as likely (46%) to work for one of these companies.
The survey also probed attitudes about workplace policies related to transgender employees.
By significant majorities, most Americans agree that employers should show respect and dignity for transgender workers in a number of ways. Specifically:
75% of all Americans agree that regardless of the legal name and gender of an employee, employers should use an employee’s pronouns and desired name when communicating with them and when referring to them to third parties.
73% of all Americans agree that employers should learn everyone’s pronouns and preferred name and use them in the workplace.
63% of all Americans agree that employers should intervene when an employee regularly misuses a co-worker’s pronouns or preferred name.
59% of all Americans agree that regularly misusing a colleague’s pronouns or preferred name is a form of workplace harassment.
