Statistics NZ is currently testing questions regarding sexual identity, gender identity and sexual orientation ahead of the 2018 Census. A preliminary view of 2018 Census content recently up for public engagement and consultation and highlights that there is potentially a need for changes to the categories of sex and Statistics NZ and currently testing these questions with the general public. A document published last year, providing background information for the consultation highlighted a number of areas that need to be addressed. The document notes that currently there are two answer categories in the question of sex: male and female “However, some people are born biologically intersex and some people make transitions. Statistics NZ says, “Although this group is small, currently they cannot represent their biological sex in this question.” “We recognise the need to further explore and test the implications of collecting information on those who are biologically intersex. Concerns have been raised around how this would affect the quality and comparability of the sex data from the census. Defining what is meant by biologically intersex may be difficult on a self-completed form with finite space. Another potential issue is that including an intersex category may elicit false responses from some respondents. To date, no any other country has included an intersex option in their national census.” Gender identity is a separate question that Statistics NZ has identified as an area of interest as currently there is no standardised approach for collecting and storing gender identity data in New Zealand. Sexual orientation is also not currently collected in the census, or any other Statistics NZ survey. With some people uncomfortable with sharing this information and due to it’s multi-faceted definition Statistics NZ notes that this may only produce indicative figures and as such say if a statistical standard for sexual orientation is developed, the census may not be the best way to meet customer requirements for this information. In regards to the question of partnership status Statistics NZ notes; “Since same-sex marriages were legalised in August 2013, the number of civil unions registered has dropped dramatically and some civil unions have been transferred to marriage,” saying that, “Interest from our customers seems to have shifted to distinguishing between same-sex and opposite-sex relationships rather than between marriage and civil unions.” James Weir, a spokesperson for Statistics NZ says these topics are now under consideration for inclusion in the 2018 Census and are being tested. “At this stage the primary purpose of the testing is to assess the feasibility of collecting this type of information on a self-completed survey form, for the census. The sexual identity question we are currently testing will allow for respondents to write in any self-identified sexual identity.” “Any possible inclusion of these questions in the census would not mean that this information would necessarily be collected in other surveys, this would be assessed by each individual survey and their data needs.” “It is worth noting that we are looking at other new topics and testing existing questions and all have to be considered before a final decision on what included in 2018 Census can be made. The final decisions on Census 2018 content will not be made until mid-2017.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 11th March 2016 - 5:14pm