A report has been released which suggests same-sex unions improve the mental and physical overall health of gay and lesbian communities. The report notes higher rates of depression, drug abuse, obesity and cancer amongst gay people, and suggests that civil partnerships are likely to reduce prejudice and social exclusion, as well as increase the stability of same-sex relationships. Researchers also note that while same-sex couples in legally recognised partnerships also tend to feel more secure legally and financially, they are also generally more open about their sexuality and have closer relationships with their relatives than same-sex couples who are not registered in a partnership. Denmark became the first country to introduce civil partnerships for same-sex couples in 1989. Since then, several European countries, some US States, Canada, New Zealand and most recently the UK have followed suit. Ref: BBC (k)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 15th February 2006 - 12:00pm