The sex discrimination commissioner is calling on the federal government to reverse a backflip and include LGBTQI people in the census but a Labor MP has raised concerns about it being "weaponised". or signup to continue reading Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody expressed her disappointment and wanted it reconsidered, saying the decision carried "serious implications for the health, wellbeing and general equality of LGBTIQA+ Australians and their families". "For LGBTIQA+ people, who face significant health disparities compared to the heterosexual and cisgender population, accurate population data would ensure that informed decisions can be made," she said.
and agreed data relevant to LGBTQI Australians was needed but has since abandoned the proposed change to the census. The Australian Bureau of Statistics - which runs the census - had also apologised for not including sexual orientation in the 2021 snapshot and determined to invest and support the LGBTQI community "to fully participate" in the next one. Following the backflip, Dr Cody expressed worry "rising negative rhetoric" would be harmful to LGBTQI people and their families.
"I'm concerned that this decision will strengthen the voices of discrimination and division that seek to disrupt the nation's social cohesion," she said. Labor MP Graham Perrett said while he had not seen any proposed questions, the opposition leader would politicise the issue to attack the government. "Peter Dutton can weaponise anything th.