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Gay marriage
issue earns APA support
(December
2004 Issue)
By Phyllis Hanlon
The issue of gay marriage is sweeping the country, leaving a trail
of staunch supporters as well as dedicated opponents in its wake.
In recent months, psychologists have publicly voiced their support
of the initiative.
In July, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued a
formal statement supporting gay marriage. Two months later, the
Georgia Psychological Association (GPA) released its own official
affirmation. Some psychologists in New England are playing a role
on the national front, while others hope to see more action from
their state associations.
John R. Lorenz, Ph.D., who heads a group practice in Bangor, Maine,
had received requests for his opinion on gay marriage from senators
and legislators. Without credible information, he was reluctant
to make any statements. At the February meeting of the Council of
Representatives, he solicited help from fellow psychologists. According
to Armand Cerbone, Ph.D., practitioner in Chicago, president of
the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) and chairperson of
the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest
(BAPPI), Lorenz's request prompted the formation of a task force
to gather data and begin a review process.
By May, the task force had compiled research and created a resolution,
which earned a unanimous vote from the Council. "We had solid empirical
data and a robust body of literature," Cerbone says. The research
dispelled and discredited myths surrounding same gender marriage
and parenting. "The reality is that there are few differences between
gay and straight couples with regard to parenting," Cerbone says.
"This resolution points out the importance of parenting issues."
He adds that depriving gays and their children of equal services
and benefits reflects a type of discrimination. "Most families are
not nuclear families nowadays. We should support every type of family."
Lorenz believes that as a profession, psychology can provide reliable
study results as well as understanding to society. "We can offer
data and research on human behavior," he says. He emphasizes that
gay marriage precipitates fears and diverse opinions and that complete
political agreement is nearly impossible. However, he thinks the
profession can act as an effective conduit to informed decision.
"I believe if psychologists can make a contribution, it will be
in the arena of science, not just opinion or patient anecdote. Then
we will have a rational basis on which to build policy," he says.
Marie Sauro, Ph.D., a University of Massachusetts Dartmouth professor
with a private practice in Rhode Island, reports that her state
has not come forth with a public statement on gay marriage. As chairperson
of the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) Committee, she believes
this subject should be formally addressed. "There is a real niche
out there," she says. "However, right now the priorities are fighting
insurance companies, reorganizing and other issues. It's easy to
lose sight of social issues."
Denise Lamothe, Psy.D., HHD (doctor of holistic health) of Epping,
N.H., points out that the Granite State has proclaimed that being
gay or lesbian is not a mental illness and that some New Hampshire
organizations are working to address gay rights. "I don't see any
reason for prejudice against gay or heterosexual couples," she says,
but adds that gays and lesbians tend to lose privileges and advantages
in our society.
Echoing Lamothe's opinions, Anne Boedecker, Ph.D. of Concord, N.H.,
says that officially supporting gays in their right to be married
enhances their mental well being. "It's good to support stability
and security in gay and lesbian relationships," she says. "It's
better for the kids. They have enough difficulty growing up with
gay and lesbian parents. To be able to say their parents are married
makes thing easier." She points out, however, that fear and divisiveness
prevents some from taking action. Although she encourages the state
association to be proactive regarding gay marriage, she admits that
extenuating circumstances stand in the way. "The problem is how
to implement the law. How many other laws will need to be changed?"
she says.
Lorenz doubts that individual state associations will address the
issue, especially since the APA has formalized its position. He
says that official policy has been considered in Maine, but no action
has been taken to date. Cerbone points out that, although states
are independent and free to make their own decisions, most rely
on APA policy.
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