Third of Albertans believe trans youth policy changes represent a danger: poll

Nearly one-third of Albertans believe the proposed policy changes regarding care for transgender youth are an attack on them and represent a danger, a recent poll by Leger suggests.

The poll‘s method involved an online survey of just over 1,000 Albertans, and the questions were on the changes proposed by Premier Danielle Smith in recent weeks.

The poll shows how divided people are on the issue.

Nearly half (46 per cent) think policies will benefit children in the long run.

Forty-four per cent feel gender-affirming care involving puberty blockers and hormone therapy should be banned for anyone 15 and under, but that number drops to 34 per cent when asked about mature teens, ages 16 and 17.

Meanwhile, 41 per cent believe such care should be allowed for kids 15 and under, with or without parental consent.

In addition, 37 per cent feel parents must be notified and opt into instances when a teacher provides instruction on a subject matter involving gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality. Twenty-seven per cent say they need to be notified but don’t require an opt-in, while 23 per cent say they don’t need to be notified.

Of the 1,002 respondents, 70 per cent say they do not have children at home.