❓ This parliamentary question addresses the potential impact of gay and lesbian reform legislation on youth suicide rates, with the response highlighting the link between social alienation, legal discrimination, and mental health risks for LGBTQ+ youth.
AnsweredQoN 632Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
GAY AND LESBIAN REFORM LEGISLATION, IMPACT ON YOUTH SUICIDE
What impact will the gay and lesbian reform legislation have on addressing youth suicide in our community? Ms McHALE
What impact will the gay and lesbian reform legislation have on addressing youth suicide in our community? Ms McHALE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Obviously as a parent, the member is keen to ensure that all elements of this issue are debated. The mental and physical health of individuals is inextricably linked to issues of equity, access and marginalisation. There is a real issue with regard to sexuality self-disclosure and ultimately suicide. Growing evidence suggests social alienation experienced by lesbian and gay young people can increase their risk of self-harm and even suicide. Studies over recent years have indicated that 25 to 40 per cent of young lesbians and gays have attempted suicide. From an Australian study published in 1998, it was found that identified, self-disclosed gay young men aged 18 to 24 were nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual young men. In a 1998 Perth study it was found that homophobic attitudes and the lack of support for young gay men may be contributing factors in suicide in this group. Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Obviously as a parent, the member is keen to ensure that all elements of this issue are debated. The mental and physical health of individuals is inextricably linked to issues of equity, access and marginalisation. There is a real issue with regard to sexuality self-disclosure and ultimately suicide. Growing evidence suggests social alienation experienced by lesbian and gay young people can increase their risk of self-harm and even suicide. Studies over recent years have indicated that 25 to 40 per cent of young lesbians and gays have attempted suicide. From an Australian study published in 1998, it was found that identified, self-disclosed gay young men aged 18 to 24 were nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual young men. In a 1998 Perth study it was found that homophobic attitudes and the lack of support for young gay men may be contributing factors in suicide in this group. Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Obviously as a parent, the member is keen to ensure that all elements of this issue are debated. The mental and physical health of individuals is inextricably linked to issues of equity, access and marginalisation. There is a real issue with regard to sexuality self-disclosure and ultimately suicide. Growing evidence suggests social alienation experienced by lesbian and gay young people can increase their risk of self-harm and even suicide. Studies over recent years have indicated that 25 to 40 per cent of young lesbians and gays have attempted suicide. From an Australian study published in 1998, it was found that identified, self-disclosed gay young men aged 18 to 24 were nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual young men. In a 1998 Perth study it was found that homophobic attitudes and the lack of support for young gay men may be contributing factors in suicide in this group. Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
The mental and physical health of individuals is inextricably linked to issues of equity, access and marginalisation. There is a real issue with regard to sexuality self-disclosure and ultimately suicide. Growing evidence suggests social alienation experienced by lesbian and gay young people can increase their risk of self-harm and even suicide. Studies over recent years have indicated that 25 to 40 per cent of young lesbians and gays have attempted suicide. From an Australian study published in 1998, it was found that identified, self-disclosed gay young men aged 18 to 24 were nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual young men. In a 1998 Perth study it was found that homophobic attitudes and the lack of support for young gay men may be contributing factors in suicide in this group. Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Obviously as a parent, the member is keen to ensure that all elements of this issue are debated. The mental and physical health of individuals is inextricably linked to issues of equity, access and marginalisation. There is a real issue with regard to sexuality self-disclosure and ultimately suicide. Growing evidence suggests social alienation experienced by lesbian and gay young people can increase their risk of self-harm and even suicide. Studies over recent years have indicated that 25 to 40 per cent of young lesbians and gays have attempted suicide. From an Australian study published in 1998, it was found that identified, self-disclosed gay young men aged 18 to 24 were nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual young men. In a 1998 Perth study it was found that homophobic attitudes and the lack of support for young gay men may be contributing factors in suicide in this group. Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Obviously as a parent, the member is keen to ensure that all elements of this issue are debated. The mental and physical health of individuals is inextricably linked to issues of equity, access and marginalisation. There is a real issue with regard to sexuality self-disclosure and ultimately suicide. Growing evidence suggests social alienation experienced by lesbian and gay young people can increase their risk of self-harm and even suicide. Studies over recent years have indicated that 25 to 40 per cent of young lesbians and gays have attempted suicide. From an Australian study published in 1998, it was found that identified, self-disclosed gay young men aged 18 to 24 were nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual young men. In a 1998 Perth study it was found that homophobic attitudes and the lack of support for young gay men may be contributing factors in suicide in this group. Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
The mental and physical health of individuals is inextricably linked to issues of equity, access and marginalisation. There is a real issue with regard to sexuality self-disclosure and ultimately suicide. Growing evidence suggests social alienation experienced by lesbian and gay young people can increase their risk of self-harm and even suicide. Studies over recent years have indicated that 25 to 40 per cent of young lesbians and gays have attempted suicide. From an Australian study published in 1998, it was found that identified, self-disclosed gay young men aged 18 to 24 were nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual young men. In a 1998 Perth study it was found that homophobic attitudes and the lack of support for young gay men may be contributing factors in suicide in this group. Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
Several members interjected. Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
Ms McHALE: Members may not like it but I want them to listen to this. Reasons cited for suicidal intentions include legal control, isolation, family conflict and marginalisation as a result of sexuality. Currently young gay men are burdened with dealing with issues of disclosure in an environment where their relationships are illegal. This can have a devastating effect on their ability to cope. By equalising the age of consent, gay and lesbian people will be given the opportunity to discuss sexual issues and to make informed decisions in a legally supportive environment. To care for young people is to provide support for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation. Giving them equality in law removes one stigma attached to their sexual orientation, which otherwise can lead to high-risk behaviour, some of which we know is potentially self-destructive.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.