Next census set to include voluntary question on gender history
Transgender people will be able to complete a voluntary question about their gender identity and history after amendments to the new Census Bill legislation were agreed in Holyrood.
MSPS debating the introduction of new questions to the 2021 census unanimously agreed changes which would ensure there was no “perceived conflation of sex and gender”.
Government minister Fiona Hyslop told the culture, tourism, Europe and external affairs committee that her amendments would give “transgender matters” an entry that could be filled out on a purely voluntary basis. The bill will also for the first time have a voluntary question on sexual orientation.
Mshyslopsaid:“icommitted to bring forward these amendments to address the issue of the perceived conflation of sex and gender. Officials have engaged with stakeholders in developing the amendments and the National Records of Scotland has worked with the Equality Network and others, including women’s groups who responded to the committee’s call for evidence, and no issues were raised. There was only support.
“The question on transgender status and history is voluntary and it is vital that nobody feels in any way compelled to answer the question. It is right it should be voluntary and that means there is no penalty in not answering.”
Vice-convener of the committee, Scottish Labour’s Claire Baker, said the amendments were welcome as they reflected “the wider debate by the committee and provide necessary clarity”.
Ms Hyslop said: “The amendment will allow the focus of the bill to be achieved. There’s currently limited evidence on the experiences of transgender people in Scotland and currently no fully tested question with which to collect information.
“The bill does not determine the text of the voluntary questions, but paves the way for them and allows for them to be voluntary. The census will be taking a leading role gathering evidence to provide support and protection for Scotland’s transgender population.”
Committee convener Joan Mcalpine said: “The bill is now amended to address concerns that it appeared to conflate sex with gender identity. This is an important and welcome change made in response to the committee’s recommendations. The wording of any questions will not be determined until after the bill is passed. However, I would expect any questions to adhere to the principle that sex and gender identity should be kept completely separate.” The bill will be debated in Parliament again later this year.”