The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus commends the Committee on Oversight and Reform for favorably reporting H.R. 4176, the “LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act” out of committee earlier today. The LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, introduced by Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), would require federal surveys to collect voluntary information on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics. This requirement can be waived by the head of a statistical unit of an agency if the information collected relating to the sexual orientation, gender identity, or variation in sex characteristics cannot be maintained in accordance with confidentiality and privacy laws, policies, and standards.
“Today, Oversight Committee Democrats took a critical step towards closing longstanding gaps in the collection of data pertaining to our nation’s LGBTQI+ communities,” said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform and Member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. “The LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act will ensure that federal agencies collect data to better understand the barriers the LGBTQI+ population has historically faced and continues to face in health care, housing, employment, and more. Let’s be clear: this legislation is about providing the data policymakers need so the federal government can better serve every person it represents—regardless of who they love and how they identify. I am proud to send this important legislation to the House floor.”
“For too long, federal surveys have erased LGBTQI+ people by failing to collect critical data on our community,” said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. “From the limited survey information we do have, we know LGBTQI+ people face high rates of unemployment, poverty, and homelessness. Good policy comes from good data, and if we are going to better serve the LGBTQI+ community, we need to be represented in federal studies and surveys. By making this change, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act will help us to better tailor policy solutions and address the most pressing issues facing LGBTQI+ Americans. Thank you, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, for introducing this important bill and Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney for considering this bill in committee.”
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.
Original source can be found here.
