Vermont Mental Health Experts Support Gay Marriage

[cali]

Forces Join For Equality For Same-Sex Couples
updated 8:48 a.m. ET, Wed., March. 11, 2009

BURLINGTON, Vt. - The Vermont chapters of four national mental health organizations say the best research suggests a range of benefits to children of same-sex parents granted equal access to civil marriage under state law.

The state Legislature begins hearings next Monday to consider whether to replace Vermont's civil union statute with one that offers gay couples the right to marry.

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"What brings us here today," Weinstock said, "is a shared interest in the psychological well-being of all people." She said the groups want to "set the record straight" given what they said had been a "misinterpretation" of available scientific literature by marriage equality opponents.

"Research has shown children of same-sex couples are as likely as children of heterosexual parents to flourish," Weinstock said, adding "research shows same-sex parents are just as likely to provide healthy and supportive environments for children."

Representatives of the groups appearing with Weinstock at Monday's news conference said there had been "no dissent" on their boards before deciding to issue the joint statement.

Vermont law has allowed gay people to adopt children since 1993. In 2000, the Legislature created the nation's first civil union law though clinicians said children of gay couples still endure ridicule and emotional harm from societal elements because the government does not allow their parents equal treatment under the law.

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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29614260/

[ReliantJ]

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