Marriage equality advocates have congratulated the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) for securing support for marriage equality from medical students around the world.
At its global conference in Baltimore, the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) endorsed a policy statement in favour of marriage equality written and proposed by AMSA.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,
“This is an important moment in the global marriage equality debate because representatives from around the world have agreed that denial of marriage equality has a profound impact on the health of same-sex attracted people and their families.”
“The policy statement is also important because it highlights the growing gap between the passionate support many Australians have for this reform and the opposition to change we continue to see from our national leaders.”
A copy of the AMSA statement follows.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Statement from the Australian Medical Students’ Association
Medical students worldwide support marriage equality
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has congratulated the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) for passing a policy statement in support of marriage equality at its General Assembly this week.
The marriage equality policy statement was written and proposed by AMSA.
AMSA President, Mr Ben Veness, presented the “Marriage Equality and Health” policy statement to the IFMSA General Assembly in Baltimore. The IFMSA represents medical students from more than 100 countries.
“I congratulate the IFMSA and all its National Member Organisations for passing this policy statement,” Mr Veness said.
“The meeting was very exciting, with a series of impassioned speeches, for and against, made by medical students from every continent.
“Most of the crowd leapt to their feet in applause as the final vote was announced, noting the significance of this step towards equality by medical students from all across the world.
“As far as we know, this is the first time an international representative association has come out in support of marriage equality.
“For us, this is a health argument. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide attempts have all been reported as higher among non-heterosexual populations compared to heterosexual populations.
“Institutionalised discriminatory policies such as the current legal restrictions on marriage have been linked with significant increases in psychiatric disorders among lesbian and gay persons living in states that have banned gay marriage.
“There are no health arguments in favour of defining marriage as a union solely between a man and a woman. Marriage equality will reduce the discrimination and thus minority stress that LGBTI persons suffer.
“Since 2001, more than 10 countries have legalised marriage equality, with many more – including New Zealand and the UK – currently debating relevant legislation.
“It’s time the Australian Government took note of the international trend and legalised marriage equality.”
AMSA believes that all communities have the right to the best attainable health. Accordingly, AMSA advocates on issues that may impact health outcomes. AMSA’s policy on Marriage Equality and Health can be found at our website.
Media contact:
Steve Hurwitz
0405 419 416
publicrelations@amsa.org.au