A new survey found that 75% of American adults agreed with the statement: “There are two genders, male and female.” 18% of Americans disagreed. The poll was conducted on December 21-22, 2021, by Rasmussen Reports.
The survey results also found that most people don’t want gender ideology being pushed on students – without parental knowledge or consent.
The survey found that most people agreed with “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling who believes in the reality of biological sex and has been roundly attacked for defending women and pushing back against gender ideology. Most recently, the British newspaper The Guardian stopped taking entries for its “person of the year” poll when it became clear that Rowling was winning.
The paper evidently feared transgender backlash if Rowling won. But their actions confirm the survey results: Most people side with her on this issue. Rasmussen’s second question specifically mentioned Rowling:
Critics have recently accused “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling of engaging in “hate speech” toward transgender people for saying that there are two biologically distinct genders. Do you agree with J.K. Rowling, or is it “hate speech” to say there are only two genders?
58% of American adults support Rowling, while only 17% said it was “hate speech” to discuss human sexual dimorphism. 25% couldn’t make up their minds and were “not sure.”
In a response to Rasmussen, Rowling made clear what she believes about sex and gender:
Small but important point: I’ve never said there are only two genders. There are innumerable gender identities. … The question at the heart of this debate is whether sex or gender identity should form the basis of decisions on safeguarding, provision of services, sporting categories and other areas where women and girls currently have legal rights and protections. … Using the words ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ interchangeably obscures the central issue of this debate.
While we disagree with her about “innumerable gender identities,” Rowling believes that the categories of male and female – rooted in biological reality – should be used to protect women and girls and to provide access to equal opportunities in sports and other areas.
The current gender movement, on the other hand, believes people should be protected on the basis of their stated “gender identity” and that male and female should be based on a person’s beliefs or thoughts, not physical existence.
Fifty years ago – even twenty, for most people – such a poll would have been laughable: Of course there are two genders – male and female; why are you even asking?
But the meaning of “gender” in popular usage has shifted dramatically over time. “Gender” had primarily been used in linguistics to describe gender-specific nouns, requiring masculine, feminine or neutral pronouns and noun endings in some languages.
But over the years, “gender” became a seemingly more genteel substitute for “sex,” again, referring to being male or female. The term was hijacked by infamous psychologist John Money in the 50’s, who differentiated between what he labeled “gender roles” and “gender identity.”
Money said that “gender identity” had to do with how one felt or thought about oneself as male or female – distinct from one’s body. Then, with other gender ideologists and theorists, the term broadened to include a variety of so-called “genders.”
This usage and ideology have spread to all areas of society and have led to the battles we face today, between those who believe in two sexes and those pushing rights based on “gender identity.”
The conflict now affects parental rights and what school children are taught, which a third Rasmussen survey question brought up:
Should schools and teachers be allowed to counsel students on their sexual and gender identities without parental knowledge or consent?
By a more than three-to-one margin, most Americans support parental rights, with 68% saying, “No,” schools should not counsel students on these sensitive issues without parental consent.
Only a small percentage of people – 19% – believe schools should violate parental rights. Even that small percentage is troubling, as some educators, having been inculcated with gender dogma, work to undermine parental authority and wreak havoc on children and families.
Now, more than ever, it’s important for parents and other concerned citizens to speak against the gender agenda.
As Christians, we hold to the biblical – and scientific – truth that God created humans male and female in His image. God’s design of us as male and female is good – men and women are distinct but equally valuable. It’s wrong to blur those distinctions, and it’s especially wrong to lead children into confusion and sin about sexuality and identity.
As believers we are also admonished to speak the truth in love, emulating Christ who ministered to sinful, broken people – all of us – with both grace and truth.
Resources and articles:
Bill that Teaches ‘Gender Identity’ to Kindergarteners Signed into Law by Illinois Governor
J.K. Rowling Attacked For Saying Male Rapists Aren’t Women – No Matter How They ‘Identify’
J.K. Rowling Shunned from Major Harry Potter Reunion for Saying Boys and Girls are Real
Male and Female: Why It Matters in the Culture and Public Policy
Minnesota Government Helps Provide “Sex Change” for Teen – Without Parent’s Consent
Parents and Teachers Battle Radical Sexual and Political Education Agenda – This Resource Can Help
Transgenderism Trumping Parents’ Rights
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