The Minnesota chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics announced Tuesday that it opposes the gay marriage amendment on the grounds that it "would be harmful to the health and well-being of children and adolescents."

While other health care groups have taken a stance on the issue -- the Minnesota Nurses Association and the Minnesota Psychological Association also oppose the amendment -- this is one of the first arguments based largely on the grounds of child health. The trade group for the state's pediatricians argued that passage of the amendment could further marginalize children from same-sex couples. The group also contended that medical research has not found any link between a child's emotional well-being and the sexual orientation of the child's parents.

"This boils down to a child health issue," said Dr. Robert M. Jacobson, chapter president, in a news release. "... we are letting our LGBT patients and their families know that they are supported by their pediatricians. Many of them are already at increased risk of bullying, violence and suicide and amending our constitution to limit their freedom to marry could add to the social stigma they face every day."