21-Aug-2017
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On the Line calls for marriage equality
On the Line supports marriage equality and believes that all Australians should be able to get married, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.
Kim O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer at On the Line, said, “On the Line is calling on the Australian Government to end discrimination and legislate for marriage equality. We need to treat LGBTQI Australians as equals.”
There is much evidence that discrimination against the LGBTQI community has a negative impact on mental health. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are three times more likely to experience depression compared to the broader population. The community also has higher rates of suicide, self-harm and anxiety.
“The lower mental health outcomes among the LGBTQI community is partly due to discrimination and social isolation. Having a public debate about whether to allow or deny the same rights afforded to the rest of the population will only create additional challenges for individuals and their families,” said Ms O’Neill.
One of the benefits of marriage equality is greater security and stability for families. Recent research coming out of the United States has shown that people who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and were married, reported a better quality of life and more economic and social resources than unmarried partners.
By having marriage equality, we will enrich the social health of the two people who want to marry, as well as their family, friends and colleagues.
All Australians should have the right to express their love and marry their partner. Everyone should be treated equally.
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About On the Line Australia
On the Line is a national provider of some of Australia’s most vital and trusted services including MensLine Australia, Suicide Call Back Service and SuicideLine (Victoria). On the Line counsellors are expert in suicide and trauma-informed practice for anyone affected by suicide, mental health, men’s mental health, family violence (using and experiencing), healthy relationships, chronic health conditions, and substance abuse.
Our 24/7 telephone, web chat and video counselling services are staffed by professional counsellors, psychologists or social workers. All our counsellors are multi-skilled across telephone, web chat and video counselling and highly experienced providing interventions from crisis support to general counselling.
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78