Scotland census to include new questions on transgender identity and sexual orientation

'Gathering data on LGBT communities in Scotland is an important step towards building a society where LGBT people are truly accepted, everywhere and by everyone'

An individual holds a sign saying 'Trans and Proud' during Glasgow Pride 2017 (Getty Images)

Scotland's next census will allow citizens to answer voluntary questions about their transgender history and sexual orientation.

On Wednesday, MSPs in Scottish parliament unanimously approved the Census (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, meaning that questions about sexuality and transgender status can be included on the 2021 census.

Scotland's census, which is recorded every 10 years, provides information about the "characteristics of people and households in the country".

Colin Macfarlane, director of LGBT+ equality campaigner Stonewall Scotland, says that including the questions in the census will "give public bodies vital information to help them meet the needs of Scotland's lesbian, gay, bi and trans community".

"Gathering data on LGBT communities in Scotland is an important step towards building a society where LGBT people are truly accepted, everywhere and by everyone," Macfarlane states.

Fiona Hyslop, culture, tourism and external affairs secretary, says that it is "widely accepted that there are currently data gaps on sexual orientation and trans status".

Therefore, the inclusion of questions about sexual orientation and transgender identity will "provide valuable data for public service planning purposes and will help public bodies meet duties under the Equality Act 2010", Hyslop adds.

Prior to the passing of the bill, members and supporters of the transgender community gathered for a demonstration outside Scottish parliament.

Vic Valentine, policy officer at Scottish Trans Alliance, welcomed the passing of the bill in Scottish parliament.

However, the organisation added that the new questions included in the census must be worded in a way that is "sensitive and appropriate".

In December, it was reported that the 2021 census of England Wales may include questions about sexual orientation and gender identity for the first time.

A report released by the government stated that a proposal to include the new questions was being considered "to help decision-makers monitor their service provision in line with the Equality Act 2010", stressing that no individual should be forced to answer any questions that they don't want to.

The Equality Act 2010, as outlined by the government, "legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wide society".

Paul Lowe, registrar general for Scotland, explains that National Records of Scotland are consulting with groups across the country to "develop and test proposed questions to ensure they are supported by the public".

"By asking questions which reflect a modern, inclusive Scotland, we will ensure the census will continue to be a vital source of information for decades to come," Lowe states.

Scotland's next census is due to be held on Sunday 21 March 2021, subject to the approval of Scottish parliament.

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