Study: Gay Marriage Good For Economy

(AP)  Same-sex weddings could create hundreds of new jobs and pump hundreds of millions of dollars into California's economy, according to a new study released Monday.

Gay couples are projected to spend $684 million on flowers, cakes, hotels, photographers and other wedding services over the next three years - so long as voters don't put a halt to the same-sex marriage spree, according to a study by the Williams Institute at University of California, Los Angeles School of Law.

During the three-year period, the researchers project that about half of the state's more than 100,000 same-sex couples will get married and another 68,000 out-of-state couples will travel to California to exchange vows. The nuptial rush is expected to create some 2,200 jobs.

The study estimates that over the next three years, gay weddings will generate $64 million in additional tax revenue for the state, and another $9 million in marriage-license fees for counties.

"This is clearly a win-win situation," said Lee Badgett, study co-author and research director at the Williams Institute. "It's good for the larger economy, there's a trickle down to state and local governments, and people get to celebrate their relationships."

Badgett said same-sex weddings could help prop up the state's tourism industry, which has been hit by skyrocketing fuel costs, rising airfares and a sagging economy. Picturesque locales and romantic getaways should see more business from gay weddings and honeymoons.

Researchers studied the economic impact of gay marriage in Massachusetts - the only U.S. state that allows gays and lesbians to marry - to develop their projections for California. They also used data from states such as Vermont that allow civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.

The California study focused on the next three years because researchers found the number of gay weddings tapered off three years after Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004.

Counties are expected to start issuing gender-neutral marriage licenses next week after the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage last month.

But the gay wedding march could be cut short if California voters approve a Nov. 4 ballot initiative that would overturn the court ruling and ban same-sex marriage.

[dolphin20081]

lstfld makes some very good points. Like: I pay taxes, just like everyone else. I pay for my retirement and medical, just like everyone else. But if I die, my partner of 24 years gets nothing. However, I can marry a woman today, die tomorrow, and my wife of 24 hours gets benefits, pension, everything. How is a relationship of 24 years less valid than one of 24 hours? Answer: it''s not. The only way to eliminate this gross inequity is to provide the same rights (and responsibilities) for ALL Americans. So, thank you lstfld, for making a very deeply hearfelt argument in FAVOR of marriage equality/equity for ALL Americans.

[lstfld]

I have no problem with equal rights for ***. But when we talk about monetary benefit, I think we should also talk about the cost.
684 million is nothing compared to the cost to pension plans which will now have to pay benefits to people who previously would have gotten nothing. Pension contribution rates are based on actuarial assumptions which may be overturned by gay marriage. The same is true of health care plans. Also, what happens to the tax exempt status of churches who refuse to perform gay marriages? Is there any doubt that a church that barred the interracial marriage of its members would be in jeopardy of losing its tax exempt status. How is this any different?

[dmhphils]

Posted by ralan40 at 12:01 PM : Jun 10, 2008

your pride reaks

[kansas1946]

Good for California. I hope this is good for their economny. The deserve to be rewarded for protecting and valuing gay families.

[michellem99-2009]

When I heard the word MARRIAGE and this is what Dad taught us.
Marriage a man and woman.
Date is a male and female.
Couple is a male and female.
2 females or 2 males are that 2 of the same gander,
They are not Mr. and Mrs/Ms.
If we were meant to be one gendar then it would have been. It is not. STOP CALLINHG THIS A MARRIAGE as it is not in my eye. Dad/Mum is male and female and married. 2 WOMEN or 2 MEN no way. I don''t care what the paper said. THE CHILDREN NEED A FATHER AND MOTHER. same gwnder can live together but ye asking me to go against family values. I am 53. I love my friends,I love my family,I love my male companion of 25 years and I am female.

[julzxD]

LIKE YOU SAID, ITS NOT A MARRIAGE IN YOUR EYE.
THATS JUST YOUR DAMN OPINION, AND YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO DECIDED WHETHER ONE CAN LOVE SOMEONE OF THE SAME SEX OR NOT SIMPLY BECAUSE THAT IS JUST YOUR OPINION. you are not in any power to say anything. no ones asking you to go against your values, as no ones asking you to marry another female. if you dont like gays, then simply keep to yourself and ignore them. just cause youre against homos doesnt mean they cant have any rights. this is the same as interracial marriage and black people having rights. they are entitled to it, as are homosexuals, and this will be the law.

[gaypride77]

ok...so its wrong to be in a same-sex marriage. well its also wrong to live with someone before you are married. i'm sorry you're old and things are changing and you cant seem to get over it. I am gay girl and pretty dang proud of it. and if i want to get married to a girl then i should be allowed to without having to move states. I bet you think its "wrong" for blacks and whites to get married and have children too huh? well it isnt. as long as the child is being raised correctly it doesnt matter. i was raised without a father and i turned out just fine. (except Im gay...but actually theres not a single thing wrong with that)

Have a great day

[dd1978]

all i can say is that i hope you are doing the right thing by God. listen to God and not what man say. Put your trust in the Lord and his word not in man. if you do that you''''ll be okay.

Posted by endtimes72


Which God? Or Goddess? There are many, in my belief. I understand that''s not what Christians believe and you''re entitled to that, but not all of us are Christians and the government shouldn''t be under Christian rule. "God said so" is no reason to pass a law.

[endtimes72]

How about the rest of us who aren''''t Christians, but are very religious people?

Posted by dd1978

all i can say is that i hope you are doing the right thing by God. listen to God and not what man say. Put your trust in the Lord and his word not in man. if you do that you''ll be okay.

[endtimes72]

Good night, wonderful people.

Posted by flabear2

you be careful. i''m outta here as well.

notaliberal5 .......i enjoyed chatting with you as well.

[dd1978]

How about the rest of us who aren''t Christians, but are very religious people?

[flabear2]

Oh well - it was fun chatting with everyone, but a last-minute project came up that requires my full attention.

Good night, wonderful people.