The Australian federal government has decided not to include questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the upcoming 2026 census, a move aimed at avoiding divisive debates.

Despite recommendations from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and support from various advocacy organizations, the government has opted against including LGBTQ+ identification questions.

This decision has sparked disappointment and confusion among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, leading to protests and petitions calling for change.

Anna Brown, the chief executive of Equality Australia, criticized the government's refusal to update the census, describing it as a betrayal to the LGBTQ+ community and a failure to reflect the country's diversity.

Teal independent MPs and Victorian Labor are urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to reconsider the decision, emphasizing the importance of accurate data for informed public policy.

Independent MP Allegra Spender expressed her dismay over the lack of explanation for the sudden decision, calling it insulting to affected communities.

A government source justified the decision by stating that the focus should remain on pressing issues like the cost of living, rather than complicating the census process with non-core topics.

In response to the decision, LGBTQ leaders have threatened a census boycott unless the government reverses its stance on omitting questions about sexuality and gender identity.

The decision contradicts the Labor Party's 2023 federal platform, which promised to gather relevant data about LGBTIQ+ Australians, raising concerns about the party's commitment to inclusivity.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers described the decision as a betrayal of Labor values, emphasizing the need for compassion and vision in addressing the needs of marginalized communities.

Critics argue that without accurate data on LGBTQI individuals, they remain statistically invisible, which could hinder the government's ability to provide necessary support to these communities.

This latest decision follows previous exclusions of questions on ethnicity in the census, further raising concerns about the invisibility of marginalized communities in policy development.