Creating an Inclusive and Thriving Profession: Why the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Needs to Advocate for Same-Sex Marriage

Abstract

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy states that it is committed to the recognition of all parts of a system, giving specific consideration to the contextual influences that impact clients. The legal right of gay and lesbian couples to marry is perhaps the most relevant contextual issue of our time, as we witness both the provision and banning of same-sex marriage across different states. While several mental health professions have advocated for same-sex marriage, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy has not taken this stance. This article highlights why the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's lack of advocacy for same-sex marriage is problematic, both from a social justice framework and in the interest of maintaining a thriving professional identity.

Keywords:

• same-sex couples
• same-sex marriage
• gay and lesbian
• advocacy
• family therapy
• social justice
• feminist
• AAMFT