Australia's census now includes optional gender identity and sexual orientation queries

Australia's census, conducted on Tuesday, now offers optional questions on sexual orientation and gender identity for people 16 years of age and older. Respondents can select from categories such as straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, or choose not to answer, with a space for custom entries. The gender question includes options like man, woman, nonbinary, or a write-in term.

The Labor administration reinstated these items after initially labeling them divisive and facing backlash from advocacy groups and some party members. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles had previously opposed new topics to avoid community debate, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later confirmed their inclusion. ABS Chief Statistician David Gruen said public consultations revealed a substantial desire for the data, leading to the decision to make the questions optional.