The Royal College of Psychiatrists has
submitted its response to the UK
Home Office’s consultation on Equal Civil Marriage.
The College supports the government’s
proposals enabling all couples, regardless of their gender, to have
a civil marriage ceremony. In
the consultation response, the College states that the
‘minority stress’ experienced by lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB)
people is an important factor in their health disadvantage.
The consultation response goes on to say:
"Although the introduction of civil partnerships / unions in many
western countries has gone a long way to reduce inequality,
marriage equality could reduce the discrimination and stress
suffered by LGB persons, and lead to greater social inclusion and
improved health."
The response was prepared by the College’s
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Mental Health
Special Interest Group and approved by the Central Policy
Committee of the College.
For further information, please
contact:
Liz Leicester
or Deborah Hart in the Communications
Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127