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VPA resolution on discrimination against sexual minorities. Adopted 10/27/05. Whereas the mission of the Virginia Psychological Association includes a mandate “to advance psychology as a science and profession and as a means of promoting human welfare…by the increase and diffusion of psychological knowledge…by the advocacy of public policy to promote these objectives … and the application of research findings to the promotion of the public welfare.” Therefore be it resolved that VPA endorses the empirical research regarding sexual orientation as it relates to committed relationships and parenting. Specifically, Research has firmly established that individuals with a homosexual orientation are essentially equal to individuals with a heterosexual orientation on measures of healthy functioning and life satisfaction. The vast majority of gay and lesbian individuals lead happy, healthy, well-adjusted, and productive lives. Gay and lesbian individuals form stable, committed relationships that are equivalent to heterosexual relationships in essential respects. The processes that affect relationship stability and satisfaction are remarkably similar regardless of sexual orientation. There is scientific evidence that parenting effectiveness is not related to parental sexual orientation: lesbian and gay parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide supportive and healthy environments for their children. Children raised by same-sex couples display no measurable differences in development from children raised in heterosexual families. They are no more likely to become homosexual adults, and they are indistinguishable in their social functioning and success. Be if further resolved that VPA opposes discrimination in any form against any person based upon their sexual orientation, and that VPA will provide scientific and educational resources to inform public discussion and understanding of these issues. |
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