Equality Caucus Celebrates House Passage of the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act
DATE: June 23, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Equality Caucus Celebrates House Passage of the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed H.R. 4176, the "LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act" by a bipartisan vote of 220-201. 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.
"Good policy is informed by good data, and today's vote brings us one step closer to obtaining a comprehensive and accurate picture of LGBTQI+ people and their experiences," said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "From the limited survey information available, we know LGBTQI+ people face disproportionately high rates of economic insecurity, homelessness, and negative health outcomes due to discrimination and societal rejection. By ensuring the LGBTQI+ community is represented in federal studies and surveys, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act will help us craft better, more inclusive policies and better address the most pressing issues facing LGBTQI+ Americans. Thank you, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, for introducing this important bill and Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney for shepherding this bill through the House."
"Equitable treatment of the LGBTQI+ community by our government starts with the caliber of the data that the government uses to make decisions," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18). "For years, I've worked to ensure the federal government includes LGBTQI+ identities and experiences in data collection, and today we took an enormous step forward in that effort by passing the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act to ensure all Americans are properly included in federal survey data."
"Good data is vital for good policymaking," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02). "Yet for years, federal data has not included the LGBTQI+ community. Equity and inclusion depend on being counted in the first place. Thank you, Congressman Grijalva, for leading this effort, and I look forward to President Biden signing this into law."
"The LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act is an historic bill to better address the disparities facing LGBTQI+ individuals, as data is essential to understanding their existing and future needs, and making informed policy decisions," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Takano (CA-41). "LGBTQI+ individuals deserve to be counted and represented in federal data collection, so they and their experiences can be reflected in government policies, programs, and funding investments. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this measure on the floor and creating a more equitable society."
"Our LGBTQI+ communities face unique challenges and disparities – and improving the way we collect demographic data will give the federal government the ability to better understand and address these critical issues," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Angie Craig (MN-02). "This bill is an important step toward advancing full equality for our LGBTQI+ communities and I am proud to join my Equality Caucus colleagues in getting it over the finish line."
"LGBTQI+ individuals have continuously been underrepresented in our Nation's public policy, even as more Americans than ever before identify as part of the community," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03). "I am proud to support the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act to ensure officials at all levels of government can use the newfound data to give a voice to a community that often goes unheard."
"Members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to be underrepresented across the board, including in federal data collection practices that would better inform policymakers and improve the lives of LGBTQ+ Americans," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Chris Pappas (NH-01). "This bill will close critical data gaps, enable federal agencies to better represent the LGBTQ+ community, and help us create equitable policy solutions that support the LGBTQ+ community. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill and help pass it in the House to ensure we can continue working to address key issues affecting our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors."
"This Pride month more than ever, we are reminded that the fight for equality—the fight to be truly seen—is far from over," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mondaire Jones (NY-17). "For decades, the federal government has knowingly ignored our community, undercounting us and overlooking us when authorizing and appropriating funding that would address the mental health crisis, rising levels of hate crimes, and housing insecurity—issues that disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ people. This has been an intentional choice—a choice that today the House finally had the courage to correct. I couldn't be more proud."
"LGBTQ+ communities deserve to be fully counted and fairly represented," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Ritchie Torres (NY-15). "Data collection supports good policymaking, and HR 4176 will help policymakers become better decision makers. I'm proud to support this bill, which will advance equality for LGBTQ Americans by filling gaps in existing data collection methods."
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.
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