Psychiatrists Back Gay Unions

ATLANTA () -- Representatives for The American Psychiatric Association have suggested a statement urging legal recognition of gay marriage. If approved, The American Psychiatric Association, which is the largest psychiatric group in the United States, would become the first major medical group in the US to take such a stand. 

Delegates at a meeting in Atlanta cited the "positive influence of a stable, adult partnership on the health of all family members". A resolution could be approved by the organization in July.

In contrast, the Texas senate approved plans to ban gay marriage in the state constitution. Texans will vote over the issue later this year, and Texas may become the 18th state to ban same-sex marriage in their constitutions. 

Increasing numbers of people in the US believe marriage for homosexual partners should be considered legitimate, according to a recent poll by Gallup, reported by CNN and USA Today. 

39 per cent of respondents believe same-sex marriage should be legal.