Losing our religion? Australia would no longer be majority religious if format of census question changed, survey finds
Summary
A survey shows that Australia might no longer have a majority of religious people if the 2026 census question about religion is changed. When asked a simple yes/no question about religion, more than half of respondents said they have no religion, a higher number than the current census format shows.Key Facts
- In the 2021 census, about 39% of Australians said they have no religion.
- The new survey found 43% said no religion using the current census question format.
- When asked “Do you have a religion?” with a yes/no option first, 54% said no religion.
- This difference suggests about 2 million adults might be counted differently with a new question format.
- The campaign "Census – Not Religious? Mark No Religion" says the current question overstates religious affiliation.
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) considered changing the question but rejected it to keep data comparable with past censuses.
- Religion is generally lower among younger people (18-34) and higher among university-educated adults.
- The ABS consulted various groups but said no question could satisfy all needs perfectly.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
