Albanese backs down on decision to exclude LGBTI question from next census
Albanese backs down on decision to exclude LGBTI question from next census
The prime minister overturns a decision earlier this week to omit a new question on sexuality being added to the national census, after several Labor MPs spoke out against the move.
In short:
Anthony Albanese has backed down on a decision not to add a question on sexuality to the next census.
The federal government intended to omit a new question out of fear it could create "divisive" debate.
What's next?
The next census will be held in 2026.
Equality Australia welcomed the reversal, but said the prime minister's comments left it unclear whether the census would include people who were trans or gender diverse, or people with innate variations of sex characteristics.
"It would be a shame if the government doesn't trust the Australian public enough to accept that the census needs to gather basic data about our nation for it be meaningful and useful," Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said.
"Including LGBTIQ+ people in the census simply brings Australia into line with countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Scotland and New Zealand that already count our communities."
Surely data on the number of people who identify as trans is really important? Surveys in other countries have suggested the number of people in Gen Z who identify as trans is much higher than previous generations. This seems like potentially useful data that should be sought in the census.
Surely data on the number of people who identify as trans is really important? Surveys in other countries have suggested the number of people in Gen Z who identify as trans is much higher than previous generations
Huh, why are you using that as a reason to put us under the microscope? Couldn't be an ulterior motive could there be? Just a very curious angle on it. Why that one? pray tell?
Why use generational change to substantiate Equality Australia's point that data on the population's gender diversity is also a relevant part of the intended function of a census? Because it's likely the most significant factor in the perceived growth in diversity, afaik (as a cishet). I'd assume older generations have additional barriers to overcome to be openly trans
Good, but I wish they'd stop pandering to conservatives in the first place, and now they'll get the whole "flip-flopper" routine from the press.
Good to see they're amenable to responding to criticism in at least some areas.
I really would like them to explain the "Divisive Debate" thing. In detail. How would said debate happen?
Wind must have changed. At least the upside of lacking a spine is that you're able to contort yourself into all sorts of shapes with ease.
Fuck the census though, seriously who actually wants to be on it? When I grew up cops were straight up murdering us for their jollies. I've been beaten several times. Why the fuck would I want MY NAME AND ADDRESS ON AN IMMORTAL DB ALONGSIDE MY GENDER IDENTITY AND SEXUALITY?