WASHINGTON, D.C. – The policy making body of the American Psychological Association (APA) has unanimously (157-0) passed a resolution supporting full marriage equality for same-sex couples.
An extract from the resolution states, “Whereas homosexuality is a normal expression of human sexual orientation that poses no inherent obstacle to leading a happy, healthy and productive life, including the capacity to form healthy and mutually satisfying intimate relationships with another person of the same sex and to raise healthy and well-adjusted children, as documented by several professional organizations.
“Whereas many gay men and lesbians, like their heterosexual counterparts, desire to form stable, long-lasting, and committed intimate relationships and are successful in doing so.”
The APA also stated that research has shown that marriage provides substantial psychological and physical health benefits due to the moral, economic and social support extended to married couples. Conversely, recent empirical evidence has illustrated the harmful psychological effect of policies restricting marriage rights for same-sex couples. Additionally, children raised by same-sex couples have been shown to be on par with the children of opposite-sex couples in their psychological adjustment, cognitive abilities and social functioning.
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese commenting on the resolution said, “The American Psychological Association has long supported equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community based on scientific reasoning and a concern for the well-being of all people.”
The APA has been a strong advocate for full equal rights for LGBT people for nearly 35 years.
