Census - Exclusion Of The Question Of Sexual Orientation 2011

Gay and Lesbian members of the FBU note with concern the Office of National Statistics entrenched stance of refusing to include any question compulsory or non-compulsory relating to sexual orientation in the 2011 Census. Gay and Lesbian members believe the Census should include the question relating to sexual orientation giving members of our community the opportunity to be counted. Our members also acknowledge that the requirements from the Census to answer this question must be on a voluntary basis with the option not to state. Traditionally, sexual orientation has been seen as a private matter, but without clearer evidence on where lesbian, gay and bisexual people live, where they work, what their experiences and needs of public services are, we are missing a vital piece of the jigsaw. Evidence is the key to making services reflect everyone's experiences and meet their needs. However, if sexual orientation remains a private issue the needs of LGB people will remain marginalised and ignored. Conference calls for the Executive Council and General Secretary to immediately commence a campaign to encourage all officials and members to write to the Government Equality Minister and to the Office of National Statistics to demand that the 2011 Census includes the question of sexual orientation affording LGB people the right to be recognised.