You asked
I would like some information on the up and coming census.
Is there a question asking for biological sex ie man or woman?
If not why not and how was this decision made?
If participants are to answer using only their own self identification how will you ensure that the data is accurate?
Is there a question regarding how someone identifies ie their gender expression and if they identify as ‘trans’?
If so, is there a clear definition of the terms used eg ‘trans’
If not why not? How was this decision made?
Were any outside organisations consulted or had any input in these decisions eg Stonewall
We said
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request for information relating to Census 2021, the question on sex, and the voluntary question on gender identity.
The questions for Census 2021 in England and Wales are now finalised through the secondary legislation passed last year in Parliament and the Senedd, accessible via the following link: Census 2021 Legislation and Policy. The Census will ask the same binary sex question (female/male) that has been asked since 1801; a new voluntary question on gender identity will also be asked of people aged 16 and over. The Office for National Statistics undertook three years of extensive research, consultation and engagement with a wide range of groups and individuals in making its recommendations for Census 2021. At the heart of the design is maximising response and minimising undercounts to ensure the best data is captured for user needs. The guidance for the sex question has now been finalised and published on the ONS website, accessible via the following link: Census 2021: Final guidance for the question "What is your sex?".
The question on sex is:
What is your sex?
It offers the choice of "Female" or "Male" as a response
The sex question informs the respondent that "A question about gender identity will follow if you are aged 16 or over"
Guidance for the sex question has been published here: https://census.gov.uk/help/how-to-answer-questions/online-questions-help/what-is-your-sex
We have worked closely with organisations and individuals from representative groups over the last few years on the guidance for the questions in the census, including the guidance for the question on sex. Through this engagement and our testing and research we have concluded that directing people who are considering how to answer the question on sex to use one of their legal documents, such as birth certificate, gender recognition certificate or passport, was clear and inclusive. By referring to 'legal documents' the guidance makes clear we are referring to government issued documents. This is not self-identification, which was evaluated as part of a range of options but not taken forward.
The voluntary question on gender identity for those aged 16 or over is:
Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?
It offers the choice of "Yes", or "No, write in your gender identity" as a response, with a field to enter gender identity if the respondent choses this option.
The gender identity question informs the respondent that "This question is voluntary"
The gender identity question does not use the word "trans".
Guidance for the gender identity question has been published here: https://census.gov.uk/help/how-to-answer-questions/online-questions-help/is-the-gender-you-identify-with-the-same-as-your-sex-registered-at-birth
The guidance refers to the terms "transgender" and "non-binary". These terms are not described in the guidance. Testing, described in our Guidance for the gender identity question for the 2019 Rehearsal, found that their usage in guidance without further description was satisfactory. While they may be not be familiar terms to all census respondents, they are clearly included as examples of groups whose gender identity may differ from their sex registered at birth. Specific definitions are not necessary for people to complete the question.
The following previously answered FOI request provides details of all individuals, groups and organisations consulted by ONS with regard to the development of questions on sex and gender identity for the 2021 Census: Sex and gender identity consultation for the 2021 Census.