How will the 2010 Census be different in the way it counts same-sex couples?
The Census Bureau will, for the first time in a decennial census, produce data on same-sex couples who indicate they are in a marital relationship. Couples who identify themselves as unmarried partners will be categorized as such (as was done in the 2000 Census). These data will be released as part of the detailed data releases that follow the initial population counts used for congressional apportionment and by the states for redistricting. When filling out their census form, couples should report themselves as they see themselves. The Census form asks that one list the person who owns or rents the house as “Person 1” and then indicate how everyone in the household is related to “Person 1”. In order to be counted as a same-sex couple, one of the partners must be listed as “Person 1”. Same-sex couples who have been legally married or consider themselves to be spouses should identify the other person as a “husband or wife”. Other same-sex couples may be more comfortable using the term “
