One of Dubbo’s most vocal marriage equality advocates has welcomed the entry of a new player to the national debate.
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On Saturday, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) issued a new policy position paper that states excluding same-sex couples from marriage has significant mental and physical health consequences and contributes to high suicide rates in the gay community.
In an unprecedented move, AMA president Dr Michael Gannon has written to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader Bill Shorten urging bipartisanship.
“What they’re saying is nothing new in terms of what other professionals, as well as the community, is saying,” Dubbo’s Nicholas Steepe said.
I think it’s extremely positive that more and more people are ... putting pressure on the government.
- Nicholas Steepe
“But I think it’s extremely positive that more and more people are coming out and putting pressure on the government about it.
“I’m always hopeful that it will be resolved as soon as possible.”
Dr Gannon urged federal politicians to resolve the “protracted, damaging debate”.
“Discrimination has a severe, damaging impact on mental and physiological health outcomes and LGBTIQ individuals have endured a long history of institutional discrimination in this country,” Dr Gannon said.
“Many of these inequalities have been rightly nullified. Homosexuality is no longer a crime, nor is it classified as a psychiatric disorder. The ‘gay panic’ defence is no longer allowed in cases of murder or assault and same-sex couples are allowed to adopt children in most jurisdictions.
“However, LGBTIQ-identifying Australians will not enjoy equal treatment under Australian law until they can marry.”
It is hoped the AMA's move will put renewed pressure on Mr Turnbull to allow a free vote in the Parliament. While Mr Turnbull personally supports a free vote, Coalition policy remains to hold a public plebiscite – even though the Parliament has blocked that plan.
