DOMA to leave gay families invisible in 2010 Census

March 10, 10:29 AMInternational LGBT Issues ExaminerKelvin Lynch

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Citing the fact that same-sex unions aren't recognized at the federal level because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the U.S. government is saying it will once again be illegal to count same-sex couples with children as "families" in 2010.  Instead, children of same-sex couples will be counted as belonging to single parents.

The Contra Costa Times quotes U.S. Census spokeswoman Cynthia Endo as saying

Same-sex couples with children will not be categorized as "families" on the Census. Children will be counted as belonging to single parents of unmarried partners.   This is all about the numbers. This not about lifestyle or anything else.

That doesn't mean  same-sex couples can't check the "married" box on the Census form.  In fact, they should.  The Census can still glean indirect insight into the number of same-sex couples and their families from this information. If two people of the same sex identify as husband and husband or wife and wife, the census will retain that answer, but when results are released those people will be counted as unmarried partners. 

The Feds say it's too late to alter the 2010 Census form, because any changes have to be approved at least 2 years in advance by Congress.  Since the Census is reported every 10 years, the next chance gay and lesbian couples and families have to be officially visible will be in 2020.  And that depends on whether or not DOMA is repealed by 2018.