Australian marriage equality advocates and mental health experts have welcomed renewed support for allowing same-sex marriages from the American Psychological Association (APA).
The APA today released a statement citing research that shows allowing same-sex marriages benefits same-sex partners and their families, while denying legal equality damages their mental health.
Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson, Peter Furness, said,
“The importance of the APA’s statement is that it is based on research into the effects of marriage equality in the US and Europe where equality has clearly been beneficial and where discrimination has been shown to be harmful.”
“The science underlying the APA’s statement applies equally to Australia where legal discrimination against same-sex couples and their families also has a negative impact.”
The APA statement also has the backing of Brisbane-based psychologist, Paul Martin, whose practice specialises in counselling same-sex attracted people.
“A growing body of research confirms that mental health issues are directly related to discrimination. The same-sex attracted young people I see at my practice are particularly sensitive to messages that their relationships are not equal to other relationships.”
For a news report on the APA decision, click here.
For a fact sheet on marriage equality and health, click here.
For the APA’s fact sheet, “Marriage Equality and LGBT health”, click here.
For more information call Peter Furness on 0425 848 723 or Paul Martin on 0419 005 555.