Over 1000 Australian doctors and medical students have signed a petition calling on the government to legalise same-sex marriage.
Doctors for Marriage Equality founder, Dr Amanda Villis, was inspired to create the petition after hearing spokespeople for “Doctors for the Family” – which has about 150 supporters – claim that medical evidence supports ongoing discrimination within the Marriage Act.
“As doctors, it is our duty to advocate for the rights of all of our patients, regardless of their sexual orientation,” said Dr Villis, “and I am pleased to announce that in only a few weeks our petition has been signed by over 750 doctors and almost 400 student doctors.”
The petition states that legalisation allowing same-sex marriage is in the best interests of public health, and outlines the physical and mental health benefits of marriage equality. It cites medical research showing that rates of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are reduced when monogamous relationships are promoted in the homosexual community.
Doctors for Marriage Equality countered arguments that children will suffer if same-sex marriage is legalised. Dr Villis said that “30 years of medical research comparing children raised by same sex couples with children raised by opposite-sex couples has not shown any significant difference in any outcome, including personality, peer-group relationships, self esteem, behavioural difficulties, academic success or any other measure of a child’s emotional, psychosocial or behavioural adjustment.”
“The majority of Australian doctors, like the majority of Australian citizens, are in favour of marriage equality,” stated Dr Villis, “it’s time for the federal government to listen, and make same-sex marriage legal.”
Representatives of Doctors for Marriage Equality has begun lobbying federal politicians and will travel to Canberra next week to meet MPs face-to-face.
For more about Doctors for Marriage Equality go to: http://drs4equality.com
A list of the doctors who support Doctors for Marriage equality can be found here: http://drs4equality.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DFME-MPletter.pdf
A copy of the petition can be downloaded at: http://drs4equality.com/media
A report on Doctors for the family can be found at: http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/breaking-news-blog/doctors-group-risk-gay-marriage-would-increase-homosexuality/20120514-1ylox.html
For more information contact Dr Amanda Villis on 08 9892 1051, 0431 551 755 or via e-mail at admin@drs4equality.com