PROFESSOR of Public Health at The Australian National University, Archie Clements, says marriage discrimination contributes to higher rates of poor mental health amongst the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community.

“There is a strong public health case for marriage equality,” Archie said.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised that health outcomes are poorer amongst the vulnerable and marginalised.

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people have higher levels of poor mental health than the general population and have higher suicide rates.

“For example, more than 36 per cent of trans and 24 per cent of gay, lesbian and bisexual Australians experienced a major depressive episode in 2005, compared with 6.8 per cent of the general population.

“Same-sex attracted Australians are 14 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.

“A definition of marriage that promotes social exclusion, stigma and discrimination will compound the health inequities of LGBTIQ people and will result in poorer health outcomes.”

[Photo by Bodie Strain, attribution licence.]