Should the U.S. Census include a specific question about sexual orientation?

Should the U.S. Census include a specific question about sexual orientation?

Jose Aguiar

claims analyst | Washington Square West
“If you can guarantee some level of privacy, I don’t see a problem with it being asked. Ideally, it would all be done through the mail. If a census worker visits the home, they shouldn’t ask the questions. They should just give the questionnaire to the person. Let the person fill it out, and seal it.”

Jose Aguiar

claims analyst | Washington Square West
“If you can guarantee some level of privacy, I don’t see a problem with it being asked. Ideally, it would all be done through the mail. If a census worker visits the home, they shouldn’t ask the questions. They should just give the questionnaire to the person. Let the person fill it out, and seal it.”

Matthew Kohlenberg

administrative assistant | South Philadelphia
“Yes. Conservatives are trying to stop the gays from marrying. At least the government can take this basic step of acknowledging their presence in the Census. We’re all Americans and should be counted.”

Kendra Sledzinsky
barrista | South Philadelphia
“No. It seems a little intrusive. And I don’t think you’d get accurate data. Probably there would be under-counting, and you’d get skewed results. That would be counterproductive to the efforts for pro-LGBT legislation.”

Austin Edwards
administrative assistant | Northern Liberties
“Yes. That would help gays politically, and give them moral support. The right wing will be uncomfortable with the question — that’s to be expected. But [the right] can bypass the question. Gay people shouldn’t be overlooked just to placate the right wing.”

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