New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Council Speaker Christine Quinn are urging census officials to include same-sex marriages in the 2010 count.
The Census Bureau says the federal Defense of Marriage Act bars the agency from recognizing same-sex marriages, even though they are legal in Vermont, Iowa, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Last July, Census officials said legally married same-sex couples would be reported as unmarried, same-sex partners.
Bloomberg and Quinn say counting same-sex marriages is crucial for state and local officials who use census data to plan for programs and social services.
New York doesn't allow same-sex marriage but recognizes such unions from other states.
A spokesman for the Census Bureau says the agency is reviewing its policies to ensure an accurate count.
Gay Marriages Should Count in the Census, Pols Say
counting same-sex marriages is "crucial" for state and local officials...
Copyright AP - Associated Press
