Science & Technology Australia (STA) advocates on behalf of all people working in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors in Australia. Some of the people who STA represents do not currently have access to the same basic rights as their colleagues. For that reason, STA has today decided to publicly support marriage equality in law.
STA has a long and strong tradition of promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the STEM sectors, as celebrating and embracing difference makes for a richer, stronger and better society.
STA is concerned about the impact on individuals who work in STEM, and on science and technology, of discrimination against people in our sectors from the LGBTIQ+ communities.
Science can’t discriminate. Using careful and thoughtful processes, researchers work to remove bias, fix problems faced by those in our community, and improve health and wellbeing for all – regardless of who you are.
The best decisions are informed by evidence. Using available evidence to inform your decisions is vital for research in STEM, and the same benefits apply when discussing issues of policy and law.
It is well documented in Australia that as a result of discrimination, abuse, exclusion and prejudice, LGBTIQ+ people are at higher risk of health problems. There is conversely a well-established body of research showing the health benefits of marriage for heterosexual couples.
In supporting good health and equality of access for all members of the STEM community, STA supports marriage equality in law.
