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LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act
12/13/2023, 8:44 AM
Summary of Bill HR 3970
If passed, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act would require federal agencies to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity in their surveys and reports. This data would help policymakers and researchers better understand the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals, and ultimately improve the quality of services and programs available to them.
The bill also includes provisions to protect the privacy and confidentiality of LGBTQI+ individuals' data, ensuring that it is used only for research and statistical purposes. Additionally, the legislation would require federal agencies to consult with LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations and experts in developing data collection methods to ensure that they are inclusive and respectful of diverse identities within the community. Overall, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act aims to promote greater visibility and recognition of LGBTQI+ individuals in government data collection efforts, ultimately leading to more informed and equitable policymaking.
Congressional Summary of HR 3970
LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act
This bill addresses federal data collection of voluntary, self-disclosed information on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics.
Specifically, the bill requires federal agencies that collect information through a survey for statistical purposes 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 review existing data sets to determine which data sets do not include information about sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics.
Such agencies must assess needed changes in survey methods related to asking questions on such matters.
Agencies that publish reports relying on survey demographic data must include information on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics.
Agencies may waive this publication requirement on a case-by-case basis if the confidentiality of the information cannot be maintained or if adding such information to the survey would impair the agency's ability to preserve the utility, accuracy, or objectivity of the survey while also generating relevant evidence about the LGBTQI+ community.
The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the implementation of this bill's requirements by agencies.
