This variable uses relationship information to identify whether a family is a same-sex or opposite-sex couple family. It is based on responses to the sex recorded at birth (SEXP) question. A separate variable, Couple indicator (gender) (CIGF) is produced using responses to the Gender (GENP) question.
For some people whose current sex differs from their sex recorded at birth, the resulting couple classification may differ from how they describe their relationship.
Couple families
| Code | Category |
|---|---|
| 1 | Same-sex couple family, male sex recorded at birth |
| 2 | Same-sex couple family, female sex recorded at birth |
| 3 | Opposite-sex couple family, male and female sex recorded at birth |
| @ | Not applicable |
Number of categories: 4
Not applicable (@) category comprises:
See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.
This variable uses responses from the relationship in household and sex recorded at birth questions on the Census form.
Responses to the relationship in household question are used in family coding to classify people as a de facto partner, husband, wife, or partner, including those temporarily absent on Census night.
This variable was introduced in 2011.
In 2026, the variable name was updated from same-sex couple indicator (SSCF). Labels were also changed to differentiate from the new couple indicator based on gender (CIGF).
