WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 220-201 in a bipartisan manner to pass H.R. 4176, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03). The bill ensures that lawmakers and federal agencies have the comprehensive data they need to advance policies that better serve LGBTQI+ people.
The LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act would require federal surveys to include data collection on sexual orientation, gender identity and variations in sex characteristics, on a voluntary basis. Agencies would be required to identify and employ appropriate methods to include questions on sexual orientation, gender identity and variations in sex characteristics.
“With the House passage of the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, Congress took necessary action to close the data gap that for too long has neglected to count our LGBTQI+ community. Full equality and sound policy can only be achieved when we count all members of our community,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Lawmakers and agencies are one step closer to finally having comprehensive data to craft better policies to remedy and address the disparities faced by LGBTQI+ individuals—particularly people of color – to ensure their needs are met. I applaud the leadership of Chair Maloney who helped shepherd this legislation, my colleagues for voting to pass the bill and the overwhelming support of outside groups that advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ people. As we celebrate Pride Month, we renew our commitment to advancing a more equal and equitable America for all and guarantee that LGBTQI+ people are heard, seen and counted.”
“I can think of no better way to commemorate Pride Month than passing the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, a historic bill that will take tangible steps to create better policies for LGBTQI+ people in the United States,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “As a policymaker, I know we need this bill to collect data to inform policy solutions that support these communities. As a mother, I am proud that this bill will help ensure LGBTQI+ youth have the mental health care and support they need to thrive. The bottom line is that this bill is an important step to creating a better future for all people—regardless of who they love or how they identify. I am proud to have partnered with Rep. Grijalva on this landmark legislation and thank him for his leadership. I vow to work tirelessly to make this important bill law.”
“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.”
Background
Rep. Grijalva introduced the initial LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act in the 114th Congress under the Obama administration with Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). On June 25, 2021, Rep. Grijalva reintroduced the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act with more than 70 original cosponsors. The current legislation has 128 cosponsors and has garnered support from more than 200 civil rights, public health and scientific organizations.
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recently published a report detailing the need for comprehensive and robust data for the LGBTQI+ community. The bill also aligns with President Biden’s announcement of major policy reforms that advance LGBTQI+ rights.
On June 14, 2022, the Committee on Oversight and Reform passed the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act.
On June 21, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration issued a Statement of Administration Policy in strong support of the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act.
A one pager on the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act can be found here.