Sacramento – The California Medical Association (CMA) joined the American Medical Association and dozens of health care provider organizations across the country in filing an amicus brief today in the United States Supreme Court challenging California’s Proposition 8, which denies state recognition of same-sex marriages. Additionally, CMA will be joining on a second amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case challenging the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.

“CMA strongly supports efforts to reduce health care disparities among members of same sex households, including measures to afford such households equal rights and privileges to health care, health insurance and survivor benefits,” said Paul R. Phinney, M.D., CMA president. “We also recognize that denying civil marriage contributes to worse health outcomes for gay and lesbian individuals, couples and their families.”

The brief states that the listed Amici—which includes leading associations of psychological, psychiatric, medical and social work professionals— have sought to present an accurate and responsible summary of the current scientific and professional knowledge concerning sexual orientation and families relevant to this case.

“At CMA, we are dedicated to promoting the science and art of medicine, the care and well-being of patients, the protection of public health and the betterment of the medical profession. That mission, along with specific policy developed by the CMA annual House of Delegates, leads us to join our physician colleagues in submitting these briefs,” said Dr. Phinney.

For a full copy of the Perry brief, please click here.