Same-Sex Spouses: Census Bureau to Release First 2010 Estimates, Revised Same-Sex Couple Counts
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, the Census Bureau will release new data from Census 2010 about same-sex couples who indicated that they were spouses along with revisions to previously released tabulations of all same-sex couples.
The Williams Institute conducted a survey of same-sex couples immediately after Census 2010 showing that most same-sex couples who described themselves as spouses are in legally recognized relationships, but not all are actually married. The analyses suggest that approximately 70% reported that they were legally married, and another 15% said that they were in civil unions or registered domestic partnerships. The remaining 15% indicated that while they were not actually in a legally recognized relationship, they considered themselves to be spouses.
Same-sex couples can marry in six states and the District of Columbia. Thirteen states offer non-marital forms of relationship recognition like civil unions or registered domestic partnership.
The Williams Institute estimates that about 50,000 same-sex couples have married in the following states, and in the following numbers: Massachusetts (2004-2009) 16,129; California (2008) 18,000; Connecticut (2008-2010) 6,752; Iowa (2009-2010) 2,099; Vermont (2009-2010) 1,425; New Hampshire (2010) 1,805; District of Columbia (2010) 3,500. Data on marriages in New York are not yet available. In addition, as many as 30,000 same-sex couples may have been married outside of the US. The Williams Institute also estimates that approximately 100,000 same-sex couples are in non-marital forms of relationship recognition like civil unions and registered domestic partnerships.
DETAILS: The U.S. Census Bureau will hold an audio and web news conference and simultaneously release the new data and a written brief.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011,
Time: 2 p.m. (EDT)
Audio conference ― access information
Toll free number: 1-800-369-2179
Participant passcode: Census Bureau
Note: Stay on the line until operator asks for the passcode. Do not key in passcode.
Presenter: Martin O’Connell, chief, Fertility and Family Statistics Branch,
Social, Economic and Housing Statistics Division
