Drop in US Teen Suicide Attempts Linked to Gay Marriage
Isn’t it a wonderful thing when doing the right thing has even more beneficial consequences. For many years, the psychiatric community has talked about the detrimental effect on mental health in denying same sex marriage. Now it is becoming apparent that they were right.
The rate of suicide in high school students has dropped by an average of 7% since the implementation of same sex legislation and by 14% in gay, lesbian and bi sexual teens. In the US, suicide is the second most common cause of death in the 15-24 year old bracket, so these figures take on an even greater significance.
This is proof, if proof were needed, that people’s mental health is effected by the attitudes of society. Hatred and bigotry other than being bad for the soul, is bad for the mind. Legislators on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world should take heed of these figures. The adult community is entrusted with the well being of our youth, and our actions and attitudes have a direct impact on the mental health of these young people. If equality is to mean anything, it is to be not only part of our legislation but also a part of our hearts and minds.
