Census ignores sexuality
| 21 June 2010
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has confirmed the 2011 count will not seek information regarding the sexuality of survey participants.
Gay and lesbian advocacy groups have lobbied the Federal Government to collect data about the sexuality of Australians, arguing its benefit in developing policies and programs.
David McHugh of the ABS said the census aims to count all Australians but does not ask that people declare their sexuality.
“The census does count same-sex relationships, and people in such relationships, where they are living together, can indicate that on the census,” McHugh said.
The ABS releases data on same-sex couples that indicate their relationship is “partner or de facto”.
These are the same criteria by which heterosexual couples are counted in the census, he added.
Subscribe to this comment's feedwritten by c.aeria , June 23, 2010
Where is the equality for same-sex relationships when the Bureau of Statistics does not count us applicable? Irregardless of ticking the box or not, the option should be there.
written by c.aeria , June 23, 2010
On the topic of collecting statistics for 2011 regarding sexuality. This is why we, as a community have to lobby for equality and take into account that there needs to be benefits in relation to developing policies & programs for our community. The whole point of a Census is to gather statistics based on the options provided. How can it be correct if 'same-sex' relationship status is not applicable for an answer? Regardless of whether people choose to tick the box or not, at least there is an option.
