Conclusion

The American Psychological Association (APA) has long-established policy dating back to 1975 that “deplores all public and private discrimination” against gay men and lesbians and “urges the enactment of civil rights legislation at the local and state and federal level that would offer [gay men and lesbian] citizens the same protections now guaranteed to others…”  In related policy resolutions, the Association stated that “it is unfair and discriminatory to deny same-sex couples legal access to civil marriage and to all its attendant benefits, rights, and privileges” and that the APA opposes any discrimination based on sexual orientation in matters of adoption, child custody and visitation, foster care, and reproductive health services.”

As can be seen in this briefing paper, psychological research (which forms the basis of APA policy) provides no evidence to justify discrimination against same-sex couples and families.  Therefore, psychological research and association policy do not support legislation proposed at the federal and state levels that would amend the U.S. Constitution or state constitutions, respectively, to prohibit marriage between same-sex couples.

Selected References

American Psychological Association (2004). Policy Statement on Sexual Orientation and Marriage. http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/policy/marriage.html

American Psychological Association (2004). Policy Statement on Sexual Orientation, Parents, and Children. http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/policy/parents.html

American Psychological Association (1995). Lesbian and Gay Parenting: A Resource for Psychologists.

American Psychological Association (1998). Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality.

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This document is based on the research summary prepared by the American Psychological Association Working Group on Same-Sex Families and Relationships. For more information, please contact Jeff McIntyre, via email, in APA's Public Policy Office or at (202) 336-6062.

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