LGBT Data Inclusion Act
Latest action (6 Jul 2016): Introduced
What this bill does
The LGBT Data Inclusion Act would require federal agencies that conduct population surveys collecting demographic data—including the decennial census—to develop standards for gathering voluntary, self-reported information on sexual orientation and gender identity. Agencies would have to review existing data sets to identify where such information is missing, determine appropriate methods for including these questions while protecting privacy and allowing voluntary participation, implement those methods, and periodically reassess their approach. Reports based on survey demographic data would generally be required to include this information where appropriate.
The bill affects federal agencies that conduct population surveys, as well as the general public who respond to such surveys. It explicitly states that individuals cannot be required to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity, that such data cannot be used in ways that adversely affect individuals, and that no one can be fined or penalized—including under existing Census Bureau penalty provisions—for declining to answer or for answering falsely. Any information collected would be subject to existing confidentiality and privacy protections applicable to the relevant survey.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 6, 2016, by Senator Tammy Baldwin, with Senator Patty Murray as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It did not receive a vote during the 114th Congress, and no further action occurred before that Congress ended.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
LGBT Data Inclusion Act
This bill requires federal agencies that collect information through a survey that includes demographic data (where subjects self-report information or a proxy provides information about the subject or responds for all persons in a household) to establish data standards that require:
• a determination of which existing data sets exclude information about sexual orientation and gender identity;
• an identification, and a use, of appropriate methods to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity in surveys that facilitate categorization and voluntary participation and that preserve privacy and confidentiality; and
• a routine assessment of needed changes in survey methods related to asking such questions.
Agencies that publish reports relying on survey demographic data must include information on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Individuals shall not be: (1) required by this bill to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to an agency; or (2) subjected to fines or penalties for refusing to answer, or providing a false answer to, any survey question regarding gender identity or sexual orientation.
Nothing in this bill shall be construed to permit the use of such collected information in a manner that would adversely affect an individual.
Common questions
- What does S. 3134 do?
- The LGBT Data Inclusion Act would require federal agencies that conduct population surveys collecting demographic data—including the decennial census—to develop standards for gathering voluntary, self-reported information on sexual orientation and gender identity. Agencies would have to review existing data sets to identify where such information is missing, determine appropriate methods for including these questions while protecting privacy and allowing voluntary participation, implement those methods, and periodically reassess their approach. Reports based on survey demographic data would generally be required to include this information where appropriate. The bill affects federal agencies that conduct population surveys, as well as the general public who respond to such surveys. It explicitly states that individuals cannot be required to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity, that such data cannot be used in ways that adversely affect individuals, and that no one can be fined or penalized—including under existing Census Bureau penalty provisions—for declining to answer or for answering falsely. Any information collected would be subject to existing confidentiality and privacy protections applicable to the relevant survey. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 6, 2016, by Senator Tammy Baldwin, with Senator Patty Murray as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It did not receive a vote during the 114th Congress, and no further action occurred before that Congress ended.
- Has S. 3134 become law?
- Not yet. As of 6 Jul 2016, S. 3134 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 3134?
- S. 3134 was sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin [D-WI] (Democrat-WI), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3134?
- Introduced (6 Jul 2016).
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