Prof Lee Badgett: submission to the 2009 Australian Senate inquiry into marriage equality

In 2009, a global expert on the impact of marriage equality, Prof Lee Badgett, made a submission to an Australian Senate inquiry in which she outlined her research results.

These results included the following:

We found evidence that access to a social institution that is widely recognized— marriage—enhances same-sex couples’ relationships and their interactions with their families and communities. Seventy-two percent of individuals agreed that marriage had increased their commitment to their spouses. Seven out of ten also said that they feel more accepted in their own community as a result of being married. Families of thesecouples, in particular, supported the marriages of same-sex couples. Sixty-two percent agreed that their families have become more accepting of their partner as a result of being married. Nearly nine out of ten respondents (89%) reported that all or most family members supported their marriage. When asked about parental reactions, over four-fifths (82%) agreed that their parents reacted positively. Respondents report even more positive reactions from siblings (91% agreement) and other family members (88%).

The legal and economic benefits of marriage also strengthen the health of same-sex couples’ families. Nearly half of respondents (48%) report that being married means that they worry less about legal problems.

Our survey also showed that the children in same-sex couples’ families gain when their parents can marry. More than one-quarter (28%) of respondents indicate that they have children in their home and that they and/or their spouse serves as a parent to those children. Of these households, nearly all respondents (93%) agreed or somewhat agreed that their children are happier and better off as a result of their marriage. One-quarter responded that their children have been explicitly teased or taunted about having gay or lesbian parents. However, only 5% indicated that their children have been explicitly teased or taunted as a result of their parents’ wedding or marital status.

For the full submission, click here