Marriage ‘good for our health’

Marriage  ‘good for our health’

Australian Marriage Equality (AME) has called for a change to Australia’s same-sex marriage ban to improve the health of GLBT people.

A fact sheet released this week cites research from the US Center for Disease Control showing heart disease, drug use and stress are lower in married couples.

AME national convenor Alex Greenwich said the sheet will be used by marriage equality advocates, including Queensland psychologist Dr Paul Martin, who are set to meet with MPs in Canberra this week.

“The fact sheet highlights the adverse health impact of discrimination in such a core social institution as marriage, as well as the general health benefits of marriage that same-sex partners and their families currently miss out on,” Greenwich said.

“Allowing same-sex couples to marry means healthier relationships, healthier families and healthier communities.”

The fact sheet argues marriage equality would help reverse prejudice and discrimination against same-sex attracted people which has resulted in higher rates of depression and self-harm.

In 2009 the National LGBTI Health Alliance wrote a submission to a Senate inquiry into same-sex marriage, saying same-sex marriage would improve the lives of GLBT Australians.

“Ample evidence exists that shows that LGBT Australians experience significant discrimination in almost all areas of their lives and that this impacts negatively on their health and wellbeing,” the submision said. “The denial of the right to marry conveys the message that same-sex relationships are less worthy than those of opposite-sex couples, and reinforces heterosexist assumptions and discrimination.

“Extending the right to marry to same-sex couples will reduce prejudice against lesbian, gay and bisexual people and their children in Australia, and contribute to the improved wellbeing of a significant part of the population.”

Alliance general manager Warren Talbot told the Star Observer the Alliance’s position remains the same.

“The Alliance strongly supports marriage equality,” Talbot said, adding that allowing same-sex marriage in Australia would help combat discrimination and stigma, though more research is needed to make assertions about the link between marriage and health benefits for same-sex couples.

“There’s some sort of discussion as to what exactly the relationship between marriage and health is and I think most of the studies show that people who are married have better health outcomes in a range of areas.

“It’s a really complex argument and it’s one of the numerous areas in Australia we just don’t have enough research indicators around people’s LGBTI health status in the Census or the National Health Survey or anywhere, so there’s certainly a need for much more research around it.”

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2 responses to “Marriage ‘good for our health’”

  1. And what is PM’s response to this? Yes, Hmmmm, still thinking back to seeing all those protest placards on the news saying “Ditch the Bitch”. Hmmmm. She may have now also awakened the sleeping giant of a swarm of bitchy gays. It seems the only solution is to just vote Greens (no matter WHAT you think of thier other policies) until Julia gets the message.. or more likely gets kicked out.