American Psychiatric Association To Hawaii Legislature: Keep Trying For Civil Unions

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 09 Jul 2010 - 3:00 PDT


The American Psychiatric Association strongly supports legislation recently approved by the Hawaii legislature that would have made Hawaii the 11th state, along with the District of Columbia, to recognize same-sex civil marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships.

"We regret Gov. Lingle's veto and pledge our ongoing support for enactment of same-sex civil marriage or civil union laws in Hawaii and throughout the United States," said APA President Carol A. Bernstein, M.D.

"As physicians who specialize in psychiatry, we recognize the positive influence of a stable, adult partnership on the health of all family members," Dr. Bernstein said. "Marriage and family, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, are among the cornerstones of social relationships and other supports that help us face life's challenges. All Americans should be able to enjoy these benefits."

In 2004, the APA Board of Trustees approved a Position Statement that "supports the legal recognition of same sex union and their associated legal rights, benefits, and responsibilities, and opposes restrictions to those same rights, benefits, and responsibilities."

In 2005, the APA Board of Trustees approved a Position Statement strongly in favor of the legal recognition of same-sex civil marriage, declaring that "In the interest of maintaining and promoting mental health, the American Psychiatric Association supports the legal recognition of same-sex civil marriage with all rights, benefits, and responsibilities conferred by civil marriage, and opposes restrictions to those same rights, benefits, and responsibilities."

Source:
American Psychiatric Association

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