SPSP Endorses Introduction of Bill to Include LGBTQ+ Community in Federal Data

SPSP has joined over 65 scientific, public interest, and civil rights organizations to endorse legislation that would ensure lawmakers and federal agencies have the comprehensive data they need to address LGBTQ+ issues.

The LGBTQ+ Data Inclusion Act, which was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on June 9, would require federal surveys to include data collection on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics on a voluntary basis.

The legislation would require agencies that collect information through a covered survey to:

• Review and identify which surveys they conduct that lack information about sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics;
• Identify appropriate methods to include questions about these traits that facilitate categorization, voluntary participation, and preservation of privacy and confidentiality;
• Once identified, use appropriate methods to gather data on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics for covered surveys;
• Routinely assess needed changes in covered survey methods; and
• Maintain information collected relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, or variations in sex characteristics in accordance with applicable confidentiality and privacy policies.

"SPSP was proud to support the LGBTQ+ Data Inclusion Act in the 117th Congress and are pleased to see that it has been reintroduced," says SPSP Executive Director Rachel Puffer. "Passing this legislation would be a major step toward ensuring that policymakers have the information they need to support the LGBTQ+ community."

"The LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act will help policymakers and leaders understand the full extent of the discrimination our LGBTQ+ community faces and how to better serve our constituents as we work toward fairness, freedom, and full equality," says Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), who introduced the bill in the Senate.

"By including voluntary and confidential questions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics in federal surveys, we can ensure that lawmakers have the robust data they need to craft policies that remedy the disparities faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in housing, health, education, employment, and more," says Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The full text of the legislation is available here. SPSP will continue to monitor the bill’s progress and keep members updated on any developments. Learn more about SPSP’s advocacy efforts by visiting our Advocacy and Policy page.

SPSP would also like to thank member Jonathan Freeman for bringing this bill to our attention for his tireless advocacy on this important issue!