Anti-equality amendments are bad for our health

A new study from the American Psychological Association shows that there is a negative effect on the GLBT community from anti-marriage amendments.

Amendments that restrict marriage rights for same-sex couples spark psychological distress among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults and their families, find three studies in January's Journal of Counseling Psychology (Vol. 56, No. 1). Researchers say an increase in exposure to negative conversations and media messages about same-sex marriage creates a harmful environment for the LGBT population that may affect their health and well-being.

....The negative campaigning that comes with a ban is directly responsible for the increased stress, says Rostosky. Past research has shown that minority stress is linked to health risks such as risky sexual behavior and substance abuse.

Two other studies examined personal reports from LGBT adults and their families living in Memphis, Tenn., immediately after a successful 2006 ballot campaign banned same-sex marriage. Most respondents reported feeling alienated from their communities, afraid that they would lose custody of their children and that they might become victims of violence. ....

"The stories of same-sex couples who have married in California make it clear that they are feeling very betrayed, angry, confused and anxious," Rostosky says.