Australia adds optional gender identity and sexual orientation questions to census
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australians for the first time can reveal their sexual orientation and whether they identify as a different gender than the one recorded at birth — contentious debut questions in the latest census that occurs every five years. The 66-question census, held on Tuesday, Aug. 11, is the first under a center-left Labor Party government since 2011. The…
Australians are now able to disclose their sexual orientation and self-identified gender for the first time in the latest census, which is conducted every five years. This optional addition to the 66-question survey, held on August 11, 2026, is the result of a change in policy by the current center-left Labor Party government, which took office in 2022. The decision to reintroduce these questions came after the previous administration temporarily omitted them in 2024, deeming them "divisive."
The gender and sexual orientation questions are intended for individuals aged 16 and above living in households. Respondents can choose from a range of options, including straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, don't know, prefer not to answer, or a self-defined term. Similarly, they can select from man, woman, nonbinary, prefer not to answer, or provide another term that better aligns with their identity.
The inclusion of these questions is part of the Australian government's census planning process, with the Labor Party vowing to add them during their 2022 election campaign. The Australian Bureau of Statistics is responsible for determining the wording of the questions. Prior to the 2024 census, the government opted not to deviate from the 2021 census questions to preserve social cohesion.
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