Summary of Bill S 1839
The LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, also known as Bill 118 s 1839, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that data collection efforts by federal agencies include information on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The bill aims to address the lack of comprehensive data on LGBTQI+ individuals in various government surveys and studies. By including this information in data collection efforts, policymakers and researchers will have a better understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community.
If passed, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act would require federal agencies to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity in surveys related to health, education, employment, housing, and other key areas. This data would be used to inform policy decisions and allocate resources more effectively to support LGBTQI+ individuals.
Supporters of the bill argue that collecting this data is essential for addressing disparities and discrimination faced by the LGBTQI+ community. They believe that by including this information in federal surveys, policymakers will be better equipped to develop targeted interventions and programs to improve the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals.
Opponents of the bill may argue that collecting data on sexual orientation and gender identity is unnecessary or intrusive. However, proponents of the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act maintain that this information is crucial for ensuring that all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Overall, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act represents an important step towards promoting equality and inclusion for LGBTQI+ individuals in the United States. By ensuring that federal data collection efforts are inclusive of all Americans, this bill has the potential to improve the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals and advance social justice in our country.
Congressional Summary of S 1839
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.