TW/CW: This article mentions su●c●de.
A groundbreaking study from Sweden and Denmark has revealed that the legalization of same-sex marriage led to a dramatic 46% decrease in suicide rates among people in same-sex relationships. Conducted by the Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention and Stockholm University, the study analyzed data spanning nearly three decades, from 1989 to 2016, tracking the mental health impact on LGBTQ+ individuals following the introduction of marriage equality laws1 2.
This reduction in suicides is significant when compared to the 28% decrease seen in heterosexual couples during the same time period. The findings suggest that marriage equality has a protective effect, reducing social stigmatization and providing emotional security. Lead author Annette Erlangsen explained that the social validation offered by marriage rights likely plays a crucial role in improving mental health outcomes, as legal recognition of same-sex relationships fosters greater societal acceptance.
The Psychological Impact of Marriage Equality
Marriage equality not only grants legal protections but also addresses the broader social stigma that LGBTQ+ individuals often face. Public recognition of same-sex marriages can lead to increased family and peer support, which is a key factor in improving mental health. A 2017 study by Dr. Julia Raifman further supports this by showing that states in the U.S. that adopted marriage equality saw a similar decline in suicide attempts, particularly among LGBTQ+ youth3.
The decline in suicide rates highlights the broader public health benefits of marriage equality. Legal recognition provides LGBTQ+ individuals with a sense of belonging and hope for the future, reducing feelings of isolation that have historically led to higher rates of depression and anxiety within the community4.
Global Implications
While this study focuses on Sweden and Denmark, the implications are universal. In countries where same-sex marriage is still not legalized, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face higher risks of suicide and mental health challenges due to persistent social stigma and lack of legal protection. The study serves as a powerful argument for advancing marriage equality globally, not just as a civil rights issue but as a necessary step for public health.
The takeaway: marriage equality saves lives by reducing the social isolation that many LGBTQ+ people face, allowing them to feel more secure and supported in their relationships and communities. This research from Scandinavia is a testament to how policy changes can directly improve the well-being of marginalized groups5.
This growing body of research underscores the critical need for continued efforts to achieve marriage equality and ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere can experience the same protections and sense of safety.
If you wish to read the study for yourself, it can be found here.
- https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/11/suicides-fall-with-gay-marriage-in-sweden-denmark-as-stigma-fades/ ↩︎
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_Denmark ↩︎
- Ibid. ↩︎
- https://www.upworthy.com/legalizing-gay-marriage-has-caused-a-dramatic-drop-in-lgbt-suicide-rates-rp6 ↩︎
- Ibid. ↩︎