Queensland psychologist Paul Martin MAPS has been recognised in the latest issue of InPsych magazine for his marriage equality advocacy. Paul recently met with Prime Minister Julia Gillard to explain the link between marriage equality and mental health. An extract from InPsych is included below.
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Q: As a psychologist, how have you used your influence to advocate for equality?
I am actively engaged in the area of marriage equality. There is a strong connection between mental health and same-sex attracted people having the choice to marry. I was delighted recently when the American Psychological Association made public statements clarifying this link, and in fact the APA has recently adopted a Resolution on Marriage Equality for Same Sex Couples. I spend much time in Parliament House with highly skilled lobbyists talking to MPs about the importance of marriage equality and my angle is naturally mental health.
This seems to be a perspective that many people haven’t considered and it has led to some MPs stating that it has strongly influenced their thinking about this issue. I have also spoken to the Federal Attorney General who seemed genuinely interested in this perspective.
