A new study shows a drop in public support for LGBTQ+ rights in the US, correlated with the rise of Christian nationalist views. Meanwhile, a $50 million campaign by Republican Voters Against Trump targets the former president’s base, using testimonials from past supporters disillusioned by his actions.
A recent study conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute has revealed a decline in public support for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, marking the first downturn since 2015. Despite previous widespread backing, the survey noted a decrease in support for critical policies such as same-sex marriage and nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The study identified a connection between the decline in support and the presence of Christian nationalist beliefs, especially among conservatives and Republican respondents. This shift comes amid an increase in legal and political challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, fueled by conservative opposition to the extension of LGBTQ+ rights.
In political developments, a new video campaign with a budget of $50 million has been launched by Republican Voters Against Trump, targeting former supporters of Donald Trump. The campaign seeks to dissuade voters from backing the ex-president by showcasing 100 testimonials from individuals who have withdrawn their support due to his involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. The group, aiming to recreate the anti-Trump coalition influential in the 2020 election, has already raised $20 million towards the campaign for the 2024 election, with a goal to secure the remaining $30 million by November. Key among their strategies is to appeal to traditional Republican voters disillusioned with Trump, some of whom have expressed willingness to vote Democrat for the first time, in a bid to influence the election outcome.
