Australia census asks about sexual orientation, gender for first time

The 2022 Australian census will be the first to ask respondents about their sexual orientation and gender. This change came after the Labor government reversed a decision to exclude these questions, citing concerns over social cohesion. The census, which consists of 66 questions, provides respondents with options to identify their sexual orientation as straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, not sure, prefer not to answer, or another term.

Additionally, people aged 16 and over can indicate their current gender as man, woman, non-binary, another term, or prefer not to answer.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) received more than 5 million completed forms as of Tuesday morning, with an expected total of nearly 11 million. About 85% of the forms are projected to be completed online, compared to 79% in 2021. The census, which has included religion since 1911, still allows respondents to answer this optional question.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles had expressed concern about a divisive public debate in August 2024. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later confirmed that a sexual-orientation question would be included in the census. The ABS determined that consultations showed considerable interest in collecting gender and sexual-orientation data. Other countries, such as England, Wales, New Zealand, and Canada, have also introduced similar census questions.