Oklahomans for Equality will be a 2010 Census Partner. We have formally pledged our commitment to share the 2010 Census message and mobilize our lgbt community in support of the Census Bureau’s goal of achieving a complete count. The 2010 Census in the United States will count gay married couples for the first time in US history. The questionnaire format will remain unchanged, offering the choice of “husband or wife” and “unmarried partner” to describe a household relationship. Oklahomans for Equality is advising same-sex married couples to check the married instead of the unmarried partner.
Before 2000, there was no option for married same-sex couples on the census form. If a gay partner checked “husband or wife”, the census bureau altered what they assumed to be an error in designating gender. Since 2000, married same-sex couples could only designate themselves as “unmarried partners”. By law the census ensures confidentiality.