The Australian Psychological Society welcomes the outcome of the Marriage Law postal survey and looks forward to prompt legislation establishing marriage equality in Australia.
The Society has long supported marriage equality on mental health and wellbeing grounds. Psychological research provides no evidence that would justify refusing same-sex partners the choice to marry, but there is ample evidence that such discrimination contributes significantly to the risk of mental ill-health among LGBTQI+ people, especially young people, and to creating or worsening social divisions in our society.
APS President Anthony Cichello said: “While the outcome is welcomed, many people have been subject to physical and/or psychological abuse by the process of the debate and it is important that we work to heal the rift in our community, and particularly ensure that those directly affected by the outcomes of the vote are supported. The APS urges that same-sex marriage be legalised by a vote of Parliament as soon as possible.”
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.