Gay Marriage Can Boost The Economy
Friday April 18, 2008
Can gay marriage boost the economy? Researchers say in Iowa it can. The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, a think tank dedicated to the field of sexual orientation law and public policy, estimates that the State of Iowa would get a boost of approximately $160 million from monies spent planning, holding and traveling to same-sex marriages. Gay marriages would also invigorate the state economy with $5.3 million in tax revenue per year. The study comes on the heels of a Iowa Supreme Court case appealing the 2007 Polk County decision to overturn the state ban on gay marriage.
“This study demonstrates that equal marriage rights for same-sex couples are not only good for those couples, but they’re good for the state budget,” co-author and Williams Institute research director Lee Badgett said in a statement.Allowing gay marriages in Iowa would stimulate business revenue, not to mention provide the state with needed tax revenue in a time of economic uncertainty. Florists, wedding planners, hotels, banquet halls, photographers, limousine services, among others would benefit financially.
Should Iowa consider the economic impact same-sex marriage will have on their economy? Is the study enough to affect Iowa state policy?
Related:
How To Plan a Gay Marriage
Where is Gay Marriage Legal?
Image © Loleia.
Comments
This is brilliant!
But I’m afraid it probably won’t persuade legislators or judges. I live in a state, Mississippi, that is an expert on cutting off its nose to spite its face. Case in point: We’re the only state with the damn Confederate battle flag hanging from our Capitol. Costs us untold hundreds of millions in tourism, investment, and overall good will. Alienates the nation’s largest per capita state black population. And all for what? Stubbornness.
That same stubbornness seems to surround the issue of same-sex marriage. Iowa will probably get past it before Mississippi does…but both will needlessly throw away their own economic investments for years and years first. And then the future legislature issues an official apology for the policies we have now, and everyone oohs and aahs about how great it is that things have changed.
But meanwhile, that scent is the smell of the Iowa state legislature burning $160 million. And it’s too bad. $160 million would easily pay for a state universal health insurance program.
I can’t help but think about the timing of this study, though. With buzzes of recession and the big D, the $160 million tease may be too much to resist. Also, Iowa politicians may not be able to resist bragging rights should their economy boom while the national economy slumps.