A Historic Step Forward for Polyamorous and Non-normative Families: The Impact of Somerville’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance
We are thrilled to share this post originally published by Dr. Heath Schechinger on Medium, which we have been given permission to republish here.
Dr. Heath Schechinger is a counseling psychologist and Founding Co-Chair of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 44 Committee on Consensual Non-monogamy. Heath is also a member of OPEN’s board of directors, Co-Founder of the Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition, and Affiliate Faculty at the Kinsey Institute. For over a decade, Dr. Schechinger has been delving into the complexities of human connections with his research and psychotherapy encompassing a wide range of relationship types. He investigates the essence of erotic attraction, the challenges of monogamy, and the emergence of non-nuclear family and relationship structures including polyamory, platonic co-parenting, “living apart together” arrangements, and more.
Schedule a consultation here if you are interested in working with Dr. Schechinger.
On March 23rd, 2023, the city of Somerville, Massachusetts, passed a groundbreaking non-discrimination ordinance, becoming the first city in the United States to provide explicit legal protections for polyamorous and other non-nuclear families and relationships. This ordinance represents a crucial step forward in acknowledging the diverse experiences of millions of Americans who are part of consensually non-monogamous relationships and other non-normative families. By prohibiting discrimination in employment, policing, and other areas based on one’s family and relationship structure, Somerville has set a powerful example for other cities and states to follow.
The passage of this historic non-discrimination ordinance is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of numerous organizations and city council members who championed the cause. Organizations such as the Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition (PLAC), Chosen Family Law Center (CFLC), Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic, Organization for Ethical Non-monogamy and Polyamory (OPEN), and Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) played an instrumental role in supporting and advocating for the ordinance’s passage. City council members such as Willie Burnley Jr. and JT Scott, who introduced and supported the ordinance in Somerville, have been unwavering in their commitment to ensuring that diverse families and relationships are protected and recognized. By championing this ordinance, they have helped ensure that citizens in Somerville who formally recognize their plural domestic partnership on Friday will not face the risk of being fired on Monday due to their relationship structure. This collective effort has culminated in a groundbreaking achievement that helps these individuals feel more secure in the families they are creating.
Who Does the Ordinance Protect?
The Somerville non-discrimination ordinance was designed to protect a wide range of diverse families and relationships, recognizing the shared interests of these groups in securing legal protections and societal acceptance. The ordinance protects multi-partner/multi-parent families and relationships, step-families, multi-generational households, non-nuclear family structures, consensually non-monogamous relationships, and consensual sexual and/or intimate relationships, including asexual and aromantic relationships.
These family structures and relationships share a common need for legal recognition and protection against discrimination, as they often face judgment due to falling outside the traditional nuclear family model. By offering explicit legal safeguards to these groups, the ordinance acknowledges their inherent value and worth, fostering an inclusive environment that supports the security and well-being of these families.
A United Front
In addition, the ordinance underscores the shared interests of these groups in advocating for broader societal inclusion and understanding. By working together, the various organizations and individuals supporting the ordinance demonstrate the strength of a united front in promoting the rights and dignity of how they seek to establish security in their families and relationships. This collaborative effort highlights the growing awareness of how the ‘nuclear family’ model does not adequately represent or serve most families in the US. In fact, recent data from the Census Bureau revealed that only 18 percent of the United States’ 130 million households consist of nuclear families with a married couple and children, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to recognizing and supporting existing family structures today.
Adapting to Change
The increase in non-monogamous relationships appears to be partially driven by contemporary cultural and financial stressors. As society evolves, models of family and relationship structures are reexamined and adapted to align with the changing needs of individuals. Factors such as economic instability have led to increased career path fluidity and normalized professionals moving away from their biological family, which has undoubtedly contributed to reconsidering how more than two people can be involved in raising children. In this context, non-monogamy emerges as an option that allows individuals to explore additional connections and share resources, providing emotional and financial support in an increasingly challenging economic environment.
Collaborative efforts by organizations dedicated to fostering happy, thriving, and secure families highlight the importance of recognizing and understanding the pressures impacting families and relationships in today’s world. This joint endeavor embraces the diverse array of human relationships and experiences, acknowledging that multi-partner/parent family configurations are emerging as practical solutions to current challenges, addressing the needs of families and individuals for security and support.
Navigating a New Era of Family and Relationship Structures
The Somerville non-discrimination ordinance represents a significant step toward recognizing and protecting diverse families and relationships. This groundbreaking legislation highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of those in non-monogamous relationships, as well as the broader implications for society as a whole. In light of these developments, it is crucial to examine the potential impact of the ordinance and consider the ways in which it may foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for modern families and relationships.
The landmark passage of the non-discrimination ordinance in Somerville may have far-reaching implications for the individuals and families it directly protects and for the broader conversation about how people are choosing to create financial and emotional security in their families and relationships today. This historic moment offers an inflection point for how this legislation may contribute to a deeper understanding of the unique experiences and needs of those in non-monogamous relationships and inspire changes, especially in the fields of psychology and the law.
Potential Impact on the Field of Psychology
As a psychologist, I am fascinated by the ever-changing landscape of human relationships. The recent passage of the non-discrimination ordinance in Somerville comes at a pivotal moment when the field of psychology is still in the early stages of understanding and supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals in non-monogamous families and relationships. In 2018, my colleagues and I recognized the need for further exploration in this area and took the initiative to launch the first national scientific working group within a subdivision of the American Psychological Association.
As we navigate the dynamics of human connection in an evolving society, it is essential for psychologists to remain open-minded and adaptable in our efforts to understand and support the ways in which people form bonds and partnerships. The Somerville ordinance signifies an important shift in how Americans are approaching relationships, and the field of psychology
will contribute to the ongoing development and understanding of these emerging perspectives. By continually expanding our knowledge base, refining our methods, and embracing how people form families in our modern culture, we can better serve and support individuals and communities as they seek to create emotional security and harmony in their households. The field of psychology has an opportunity to lead the way in fostering empathy, understanding, and support for these families, ultimately contributing to society’s overall well-being.
Here are some ways in which this legislation may impact the field of psychology:
Raise awareness: The passage of the non-discrimination ordinance in Somerville will undoubtedly raise awareness of non-monogamy within the field of psychology. When cities start taking steps to recognize and protect a population legally, the field designed to understand and support people takes notice. This legislation will generate conversations about the non-monogamy communities’ needs. The increased awareness may serve as a catalyst for requests for further research, collaboration, and education on non-monogamous families and relationships, ensuring that psychological support becomes increasingly sensitive and responsive to an individuals’ unique needs and experiences in these relationship structures.
Inclusive mental health care: The passage of the non-discrimination ordinance in Somerville may serve as a catalyst for fostering more inclusive mental healthcare. By bringing the concept of family and relationship structures to the forefront, this legislation invites mental health professionals to consider the multifaceted nature of human connection. As psychologists delve deeper into the intricacies of non-monogamous families and relationships, they can develop a richer understanding of the unique challenges and experiences these families and individuals face. This awareness will likely support therapeutic approaches that acknowledge the complexity of human desire and various approaches to forming secure bonds, ultimately crafting more inclusive interventions and resources specifically tailored to the needs of those in non-monogamous partnerships. By embracing the entirety of human experiences, mental healthcare providers can empower individuals in non-monogamous relationships to feel truly seen, understood, and supported, which is essential for nurturing more effective and accessible mental healthcare, and therefore, more secure families and relationships.
Expanding research: Expanding legal and societal recognition of non-monogamous families and relationships opens new doors for research and understanding. As the field of psychology acknowledges the complexity and nuance of human connection, it is essential to explore how people form bonds and partnerships in light of the circumstances in our modern culture. With the increasing acceptability of non-monogamous relationships as a topic of study, psychologists have an unprecedented opportunity to delve into the unique experiences and mental health needs of individuals and families involved in these arrangements. As the subject becomes more mainstream, funding and research opportunities are likely to grow, enabling researchers to focus on understanding the intricacies of non-monogamous connections. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of how society impacts our strategies for forming secure families and relationships, it is essential that we remain open to understanding the ways in which people connect, love, and form partnerships today. By embracing the opportunity to expand research on non-monogamous relationships, psychologists can play a crucial role in fostering understanding and empathy, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and supportive mental healthcare environment.
Training and education: Understanding how people form bonds and partnerships is essential for a deeper understanding of human connection. Currently, training on non-monogamy is scarcely included in psychology education, both in academic curricula and continuing education programs. As society increasingly acknowledges the legitimacy and importance of non-monogamous relationship structures, there is an opportunity to update the way psychologists are educated and trained. The growing recognition of non-monogamous relationships presents a compelling case for integrating topics related to polyamory and other forms of non-monogamy into psychology curricula and continuing education programs. By incorporating these subjects into the educational framework, future generations of psychologists will be better equipped to understand, empathize with, and support individuals and families engaged in non-monogamous relationships. As educators in the field of psychology adapt their programs to be more inclusive, they can foster a more informed and empathetic professional community. This, in turn, will allow mental health practitioners to approach their work with a broader perspective on human relationships, creating a more supportive environment for individuals seeking help. In the ever-evolving landscape of human connection, it is crucial for psychologists to continually expand their knowledge and understanding of the needs of families and individuals they are serving. By incorporating non-monogamy into psychology training and education, we can cultivate a more informed, empathetic, and inclusive field of psychology.
Potential Legal Implications
The passage of the Somerville non-discrimination ordinance marks a turning point in the legal landscape, carrying significant legal implications and setting the stage for broader recognition and protection for non-monogamous families and relationships. As society continues to evolve and adapt to the modern nature of human connection, this legislation can serve as a catalyst for change in how the law addresses and accommodates relationship structures. Here are some ways in which this legislation can impact the law:
Legal precedent: The passage of the Somerville non-discrimination ordinance serves as a pioneering example for other cities to emulate, fostering an environment where similar legislation can be introduced and enacted across the nation. The Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition (PLAC) is actively collaborating with multiple cities to support the adoption of comparable non-discrimination ordinances. As more jurisdictions embrace these laws, the legal landscape will shift towards greater inclusivity and support for non-monogamous families and relationships. This momentum will ultimately culminate in more widespread recognition and protection under the law, paving the way for a more equitable culture and society that acknowledges the multifaceted nature of human connection in the modern era.
Family law implications: As legal protections evolve, families in non-monogamous relationships may experience enhanced security and stability. This development can help ensure that children in these families receive protection and support, irrespective of their family structure. Significantly, these legal protections can also serve as a safeguard for parents whose polyamory might be used against them in child custody cases, enabling them to preserve their parental rights and maintain relationships with their children. By recognizing the right of individuals to engage in consensual non-monogamy, this development supports the notion that adults should have the autonomy to make decisions about their own lives and families without undue opposition from the state.
Workplace implications: The Somerville ordinance represents a significant step forward in tackling workplace challenges individuals face in non-monogamous relationships. By safeguarding employees from discrimination based on their relationship structure, this legislation sends a clear message to employers about the importance of treating all workers fairly and equitably, irrespective of their family or relationship structure. This development can inspire the creation of more inclusive workplace policies and practices, fostering a culture of acceptance and support for all employees. As non-monogamous relationships become more mainstream, companies may increasingly recognize the importance of adapting their policies to attract and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Embracing inclusivity in the workplace can contribute to higher job satisfaction, improved employee retention, and enhanced productivity, as employees feel more supported and valued. By acknowledging the shifting landscape of relationships and families, employers can establish themselves as forward-thinking and progressive organizations, appealing to a broader pool of potential employees and reflecting the evolving needs of the modern workforce. Consequently, the Somerville ordinance may serve as a catalyst for change in workplace culture, promoting fairness, equity, and inclusivity for all employees, regardless of their family and relationship structure.
Collaborative advocacy: The passage of the Somerville ordinance creates an opportunity for legal professionals, psychologists, policymakers, and other stakeholders to join forces in promoting and supporting non-discrimination ordinances similar to the one in question. This collaborative effort has the potential to unite various groups that share a common interest in protecting the rights and well-being of individuals and families with more than two parents involved in raising children, such as blended families, extended families, and co-parenting arrangements. By working together, these groups can pool their knowledge, resources, and expertise to create more informed and effective policies and practices that safeguard the rights and interests of those who are interested in having their family forms that include more than two adult caretakers recognized and supported in society and the law. Through collaborative advocacy, a broader range of perspectives can be considered, leading to more comprehensive solutions that address these families’ unique challenges and experiences. This united front can be instrumental in raising awareness, influencing public opinion, and driving legislative change, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all families and relationships, regardless of their structure.
Public awareness and education: As more jurisdictions adopt ordinances similar to the one in Somerville, the public becomes more aware of the various relationship structures that exist in society. This increased awareness can lead to a greater understanding of the legal rights and protections that will help create security and support non-monogamous families and relationships. By fostering public awareness and education, the conversation around family and relationship structure can be approached from a more informed and empathetic perspective. The main draws to non-monogamy, for example, are reasons related to creating more social and emotional support in their families and relationships. Conversations from this informed and humanizing lens, in turn, can encourage respectful dialogue and promote the exchange of ideas among individuals with differing viewpoints. As society becomes more aware of the intricacies and nuances of non-monogamous relationships, it is likely to foster greater societal acceptance, similar to what we have witnessed with blended families.
A Ripple Effect?
The passage of the non-discrimination ordinance in Somerville has the potential to create a ripple effect, helping transform the legal landscape and the way the field of psychology and society views and treats non-monogamous family and relationship structures. The passage of the non-discrimination ordinance in Somerville also represents a historic moment for non-monogamous families and relationships as it sets the stage for further, more receptive responses to non-monogamy. This groundbreaking legislation has the potential to kick off much-needed conversations regarding the way our society views and treats non-monogamous family and relationship structures, with far-reaching implications for the law, families, and workplaces nationwide.
This is an unprecedented era regarding the recognition, acceptance, and legal protection of non-monogamous families and relationships. There has never been more support or openness for conversations about how to create supportive environments for all types of families and relationships to thrive. As we continue to evolve and embrace the multiplicity of human connections, we have the opportunity to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment that respects how people choose to form bonds and partnerships to create security in the face of modern cultural and economic pressures. By working together, we can build a future that values and supports the well-being and happiness of all individuals and families, regardless of their relationship structure, paving the way for a more compassionate and equitable society.
How To Support This Work
To support this movement, you can follow and donate to organizations at the forefront of these efforts, such as the Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition (@PolyamoryLegal) and the Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy (@openloveorg).
Consider joining OPEN’s Organizing for Open Workplaces program, a Discord server dedicated to supporting non-monogamous organizing efforts in the workplace, in addition to helping non-monogamous professionals build community and grow their careers.
If you are intrigued by the idea of supporting non-monogamous organizing efforts in the workplace, consider joining OPEN’s Organizing for Open Workplaces program. This Discord server is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for those who share your interests and aspirations.
With your help, we can embrace this historic moment as a tipping point toward a more compassionate and inclusive future for all.
