“Given the intensity of the debate, it is timely to remind us all that marriage equality is beyond politics.
Real people, Australian families, dignity and importantly, health, are at the centre of this issue.
The distress, social fragmentation and actual health problems this issue causes have not been front or centre of this debate.
Beyond the interest in politics, power and process, ACON and a host of other health organisations from around the country are highlighting that this is an issue that impacts people’s health.
On the eve of what could be a watershed moment on this issue, almost 40 major health organisations have signed up to a joint statement highlighting the health benefits of ending marriage discrimination against LGBTI Australians. The public statement calls on the Australian Government to legislate for marriage equality and to improve the health and wellbeing of people in LGBTI communities.
Marriage is an important legal and social institution in Australia. It carries with it certain rights and privileges. The relationships of those who are married are afforded legitimacy and validity, not only in the eyes of the law, but also in the gaze of family, friends and society. LGBTI Australians should not be systematically excluded from this central institution.
Discriminatory marriage legislation diminishes the dignity of LGBTI people, violating their humanity by treating them as second-class citizens. Denying people the right to marry conveys the message that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is acceptable. State sanctioned exclusion paves the way for intolerance and homophobia in the broader community.
Further, imposing unusual and unnecessary processes like any form of plebiscite further entrench this notion that this is an issue that is somehow so grave and difficult, that it is beyond our usual democratic functions and processes. Are our governments incapable of making ‘hard’ decisions?
Marriage equality takes nothing away from anyone; but it gives dignity, respect and promotes health and inclusion for many.
Research indicates there are significant disparities in the health and wellbeing status of LGBTI people relative to the general community. The evidence clearly shows LGBTI people experience higher levels of depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide compared to their heterosexual counterparts because of stigma and discrimination. These health conditions are exacerbated by the ongoing divisive debate on marriage equality, which is creating segregation and contributing to poorer health outcomes.
Australia is a nation with strong egalitarian values built on a solid foundation of fairness and opportunity. The exclusion of LGBTI Australians from marriage betrays these principles, and this inequality is adversely affecting their health and wellbeing. Put simply, ending marriage discrimination will facilitate greater acceptance, reduce discrimination and over time, increase the health of LGBTI Australians.
Marriage equality is already a reality in 25 countries. Every major English speaking democracy – except Australia – has marriage equality. Life in these countries goes on, as has the political debate moved on.
With two-thirds of Australians now in support of marriage equality, the Australian Government is stalling the inevitable. Marriage reform will eventually happen – but the longer politicians continue to deny people the right of people to marry, the longer they will prevent many in LGBTI communities from fulfilling truly healthy and happy lives.
The pragmatism felt by many Australians who ‘just want this done’ is matched by the strong desire of many of us to see Australia rise to the occasion and affirm our principles of a fair go. This is an issue of fairness, of equality – but also health. That as Australians we feel we truly belong and are accepted in our society is a basic right we seek – not only because of the dignity, respect and fairness that affords us – but because a cohesive and inclusive society is healthy for us all.
We call on our elected representatives to do the right thing. To recognise the health consequences of elongating this divisive debate and ongoing discrimination, to legislate for marriage equality and to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTI people.”
ACON CEO, Nicolas Parkhill