Demographics of Sexual Orientation - Importance of Having Reliable Demographics

Importance of Having Reliable Demographics

Reliable data as to the size of the gay and lesbian population would be valuable for informing public policy. For example, demographics would help in calculating the costs and benefits of domestic partnership benefits, of the impact of legalizing gay adoption, and of the impact of the US military's Don't ask, don't tell policy. Further, knowledge of the size of the "gay and lesbian population holds promise for helping social scientists understand a wide array of important questions—questions about the general nature of labor market choices, accumulation of human capital, specialization within households, discrimination, and decisions about geographic location."

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