LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act

To improve Federal population surveys by requiring the collection of voluntary, self-disclosed information on sexual orientation and gender identity in certain surveys, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act 2. Requirement to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Agency The term agency (2) Demographic data The term demographic data (3) Gender identity The term gender identity (4) Sexual orientation The term sexual orientation (A) means how a person identifies in terms of their emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions; and (B) includes identification as straight, heterosexual, gay, lesbian, or bisexual, among other terms. (5) Survey The term survey (A) means a data collection activity involving observation or questionnaires for a sample of a population; and (B) includes the decennial census. (b) Survey requirement Any agency that collects information through a survey that includes demographic data where subjects either self-report information or a knowledgeable proxy provides information about the subject or responds for all persons in a household shall, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, establish data standards that require, with regard to such a survey, the following: (1) Review The review of existing data sets to determine in which data sets information about sexual orientation and gender identity is not included. (2) Methods An identification of appropriate methods to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity in surveys that facilitate categorization, voluntary participation, and preserve privacy and confidentiality. (3) Data collection The use of the appropriate methods identified in paragraph (2) to gather data on sexual orientation and gender identity. (4) Assessment The implementation of a process to routinely assess needed changes in survey methods related to asking questions on sexual orientation and gender identity. (c) Data reports Any report published by an agency that relies on survey demographic data shall include information on sexual orientation and gender identity. (d) Confidentiality Any information collected relating to the sexual orientation or gender identity of a survey participant shall be maintained in accordance with the confidentiality and privacy standards and policies for the protection of individuals applicable to that survey. (e) Applicability (1) Construction Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require an individual to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to an agency. (2) Exemption from penalty An individual shall not be subject to any fine or other penalty for refusing to answer, or providing a false answer to, any survey question regarding gender identity or sexual orientation, including any fine or penalty under subchapter II of chapter 7 (f) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the use of information collected under this section in a manner that would adversely affect any individual.

Summary: LGBTQ 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 review existing data sets to determine in which data sets information about sexual orientation and gender identity is not included, and to assess needed changes in survey methods related to asking questions on sexual orientation and gender identity. Agencies that publish reports relying on survey demographic data must include information on sexual orientation and gender identity.