A US Department of Health and Human Services-commissioned survey reported an association between stronger support for gender-affirming views, left-wing authoritarian attitudes and greater stated acceptance of certain political violence. The findings matter because they have entered a politically charged debate over gender identity, but the research measured opinions rather than violent behaviour and cannot show that any belief causes violence.

The survey questioned 1,208 US adults and was conducted by researchers linked to Rutgers University, the Manhattan Institute and the Network Contagion Research Institute. Participants rated views on transgender identities and clinical care, as well as whether acts including attacks on political figures, police or immigration facilities could be justified; the article says associations remained after accounting for political views, although authoritarianism was more strongly linked. HHS officials called for further research, while the article also cited several high-profile attacks involving people connected to transgender issues without establishing that such views motivated them.