New Jersey Could Make $200 Million By Passing Gay Marriage

by Michael Jones · 2010-01-05 12:05:00 UTC
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RainbowThe first state to address the issue of marriage equality in 2010 will be none other than New Jersey. The Boss approves of gay marriage. So does the state's outgoing governor, Jon Corzine. But will the New Jersey State Senate? We'll find out on Thursday afternoon, when the legislative body puts the issue up for a vote.

Meanwhile, the Williams Institute at UCLA has a new economic report out that says gay marriage would be a huge boon to the Garden State economy, bringing in upwards of $200 million over the next three years if it's made legal. During what seems like an endless economic recovery, raking in $200 million sounds like smart fiscal policy -- not to mention a good move for civil rights.

The window for gay marriage in New Jersey is short. Incoming Gov-Elect Chris Christie is not a fan, and has vowed to veto any marriage equality legislation that reaches his desk over the next four years. That gives the state legislature only a two-week window to act before outgoing Gov. Corzine heads for greener pastures (given his old job with Goldman Sachs, one can bet that those pastures are really, really green). Will New Jersey become state number six to join the marriage equality club? We'll find out in 48 hours.

Photo: brainchildvn

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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