Transgender Laws

February 16, 2024

In the last few weeks, the Alberta Legislature has proposed laws that could limit transgender mature minors’ access to puberty blockers and gender-affirming surgeries. From February 9 to 11, 2024, we surveyed Canadians to find out their opinion and perceptions on potential new laws on transgender kids.

Some of the key highlights of our survey about Transgender laws include…

      • Nearly half of Canadians (45%) believe gender reassignment surgeries for minors 17 and under should be prohibited, 30% would approve with parental consent, and 11% would support without any parental consent. Those with children under 18 (49%) are more likely to prefer all gender reassignment surgeries to be prohibited. 
        • 42% oppose puberty blockers and hormones for minors 17 and under, 26% would support it with parental consent, and 11% would support it even without parental consent. 
          • For more mature teens, 35% oppose puberty blockers and hormone therapies for gender reassignment, 24% would support it with parental and medical approval, and 23% would agree without parental but with medical approval.
            • 68% are against allowing athletes born male to compete in women’s sports, with 17% in favour. 
            • 45% think these policies provide clear rules for transgender youth, benefiting them long-term, while 24% view it as an attack on transgender children.
              • Over one third (37%) believe that the federal government should intervene in provinces that are introducing policies regarding transgender youth and challenge the passage of any legislation in this area that may limit or restrict the abilities of children to transition genders, while the same proportion (37%) think the opposite, and 26% are uncertain.

             

            Methodology

            This web survey was conducted from February 9 to 11, 2024, with 2,439 Canadians (including an oversample of 1,000 Albertans) aged 18 or older, randomly recruited from LEO’s online panel. A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey. For comparison, a probability sample of 2,439 respondents would have a margin of error of ±1.98 %, 19 times out of 20.

             

            To consult the Alberta-specific report, click here.

             

            Related Posts

            Government of Alberta Report Card: June 2025

            Every few months, Leger, conducts a study on the performance of the Alberta government. This time, the study was conducted between May 23 and 25, 2025.Highlights include... In May 2025, Leger polling data indicates there has been some subtle shifting of the political...

            Attitudes Toward the Middle East and Ukraine Conflicts

            From June 6 to 8, 2025, we surveyed Canadians and Americans to explore their views on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.Highlights of our survey include... MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT Canadians are divided on their country’s stance toward Israel: 26% believe...

            Ontario Government Report Card

            From May 23 to 25, 2025, we surveyed Ontarians on their provincial and municipal governments.Highlights of our survey include... Direction of the Province: Only a third of residents (36%) believe Ontario is headed in the right direction with just 4% indicating it is...

            Get the latest in your inbox

            Stay up to date on cutting-edge research, news and more.