Beef with the Census

[waterspyder]

So where does StatsCan get off not recognizing marriage between same-sex partners as a legitimate marriage?

Seriously? I can wander down to city hall with a woman and get a marriage license, get married and get a marriage certificate. This process and certification would be the exact same as if I were to head down with zenten.

Under step 4, the census asks for "Marital Status". If I were legally married to a woman, I would personally select the option "Legally married".

However, same-sex married spouse according to the instructions under step 6 "Relationship to Person 1" under "Other" says that is where "same-sex married spouse" is supposed to be filled in.

I can understand wanting to know how many same-sex partnerships are in Canada, but this does not look like they are regarding same-sex and opposite-sex marriage equally at all.

Comments

[furious-g.livejournal.com]

But it is a survey for information. If they just lump all the same sex marriages in with the regular ones they won't have that valuable peice of info to use later.

I was just impressed that they even acknowledged it at all.

[waterspyder.livejournal.com]

Then why not acknowledge "same-sex marriage" under "Marriage" heading, right now it's lumped together with roommates and other living arrangements.

[zenten.livejournal.com]

Very simple.

First you say if you're married.

If so, you say the gender/sex of the person you're married to.

[corradus.livejournal.com]

Oh lord how it can take sooooooooooooooo much time to change things for the better....and yet it seems to seriously fuck them up it takes no time at all (and a computer).

O Tempora, O Mores

[dracodraconis.livejournal.com]

More than likely the reason is that Census surveys are not just thrown together at the last minute, years are spent determining what should be asked and how. Consider that same-sex marriage has only been recognized in in this country for a relatively short time. I expect the question design predated the legislation, and that the next survey will change to suit the new political climate.

[torrain.livejournal.com]

That's what I was assuming.

[waterspyder.livejournal.com]

I figured as much, but still disappointing. I guess it is a pain in the ass to run all those focus groups.

I was in a focus group for gay issues for the last census, and we all pushed for trans inclusiveness. That is still not happening at all.