澳大利亚统计局将在即将进行的人口普查中首次询问16岁及以上居民的性取向[1]。问卷设置了包括直接、同性恋或女同性恋、双性恋、使用其他术语、不知道以及不愿回答等多个选项[1]。澳大利亚统计局首席统计官David Gruen表示，这些问题特意提供了"不愿回答"的选项，因为统计部门理解这些属于敏感问题[1]。
此举旨在使澳大利亚与新西兰、加拿大、苏格兰等国保持一致[1]。统计局收集这类数据的目的是为制定LGBTQ+相关政策和服务提供数据基础，因为同性恋、女同性恋和双性恋人群在心理健康、医疗保障、教育、住房和就业方面仍面临社会劣势[1]。为保护受调查者的隐私，普查允许个人请求使用单独的表格，可选择在线或纸质方式单独完成[1]。此外，人口普查还将首次包含关于性别的问题，选项包括男性、女性、非二元或其他术语[1]。
Australia's population census will ask residents aged 16 and older about their sexual orientation for the first time, marking a significant shift in national data collection.[1] The Australian Bureau of Statistics has designed the survey question with multiple response options, including straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, use other terms, don't know, and prefer not to answer.[1]
The decision aligns Australia with other nations including New Zealand, Canada, and Scotland in gathering sexual orientation data.[1] According to David Gruen, the Chief Statistician at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the question includes a "prefer not to answer" option because these are recognized as sensitive topics.[1] The census will simultaneously introduce its first-ever question about gender identity, offering respondents the choices of male, female, non-binary, or other terms.[1]
The initiative aims to provide evidence needed for developing policies and services supporting LGBTQ+ communities.[1] Gay, lesbian, and bisexual populations continue to experience social disadvantages in mental health, healthcare access, education, housing, and employment.[1] To ensure confidentiality, respondents can request a personal form to complete independently online or on paper rather than through a household interview.[1]
