No scientific data to oppose same-sex marriage, says psychiatrists’ body

Source: The post is based on the article “No scientific data to oppose same-sex marriage, says psychiatrists’ body” published in The Hindu on 10th April 2023

What is the News?

The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), the professional organization of psychiatrists in India has said that there is no scientific basis for the belief that same-sex couples are not fit to be parents. 

This statement comes amid an ongoing case in the Supreme Court over providing legal validation for same-sex marriages.

What did the Indian Psychiatric Society(IPS) say about same-sex marriage and the adoption of children by them?

IPS has mentioned that individuals of the LGBTQIA should be treated like all citizens of the country, and they should enjoy all civil rights like marriage, adoption, education, and employment. It also said that there is no scientific basis in the belief that same-sex couples are not fit to be parents. 

This statement was issued by the IPS based on scientific research conducted in countries such as the UK, US, Netherlands and Taiwan where same-sex marriage and adoption by LGBTQIA couples has been legalised.

It concluded that children raised by same-sex couples did not systematically differ from other children on any of the outcomes.

The IPS also stated that a child adopted into a same-gendered family may face challenges, stigma and/or discrimination along the way and therefore, it is imperative that, once legalized, such parents bring up the child in a gender-neutral, unbiased environment.

Further, IPS stressed on the importance of sensitizing social units such as families, communities, schools and society, in general, to protect and promote the development of such a child and prevent stigma and discrimination at any cost.