Census (Return Particulars and Removal of Penalties) Act 2019

2019 CHAPTER 28

An Act to amend the Census Act 1920 and the Census Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 in relation to the provision of particulars about sexual orientation and gender identity.

[8th October 2019]

Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 Amendment of the Census Act 1920 E+W

(1) The Census Act 1920 is amended as follows.

(2) In the Schedule (matters in respect of which particulars may be required), after paragraph 5A insert—

“5B Sexual orientation.

5C Gender identity.”

(3) In section 8 (penalties), in subsection (1A), at the end insert “ , sexual orientation or gender identity. ”

2 Amendment of the Census Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 N.I.

(1) The Census Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 is amended as follows.

(2) In the Schedule (matters in respect of which particulars may be required), after paragraph 7 insert—

“7A Sexual orientation.

7B Gender identity.”

(3) In section 7 (penalties for offences), in subsection (3), after “profession” insert “ or any particulars with respect to sexual orientation or gender identity ”.

3 Extent, commencement and short title E+W+N.I.

(1) Section 1 extends to England and Wales.

(2) Section 2 extends to Northern Ireland.

(3) This section extends to England and Wales and to Northern Ireland.

(4) This Act comes into force on the day on which it is passed.

(5) This Act may be cited as the Census (Return Particulars and Removal of Penalties) Act 2019.