2021 Czech census to include only two genders, fine for non-completion

The online census will be available from March 27 to April 9. If you do not fill out the form electronically, you will receive a paper version from a census commissioner through the Czech Post from April 17 to May 11. In addition, 800 locations across the country will allow people to come in and pick up forms to fill out.

Another big change this year is the types of questions on the census. In 2021, there will only be two options for gender: male and female. When you fill out your birth number, the document will automatically fill in certain parts of the form, like your gender and your ID card number. The census leaves no options for transgender people.

In addition, certain questions that made the census lengthy will now be removed, officials said.

“Questions about household equipment such as a bathroom or personal computer will be completely eliminated, and questions about the size of the apartment, education or commuting will be simplified. We place great emphasis on the security and protection of personal data,” says Robert Šanda, Director of the CZSO Population Statistics Department.

The census will continue to ask questions about education, children, household occupants, occupation and more.

Some parts, like the religion and nationality sections, will remain open to whatever answer Czechs want to give. In 2011, for example, 15,000 people identified their religion as Jedi Knights from the movie Star Wars.

In 2021, failure to fill out the form in a timely manner or filling out the form with intentionally incorrect information will result in a fine. The fine will range up to half a million Crowns.

More than 25,000 households will receive a test census in September and October of this year; the test census will be voluntary.