The Economics of Gay Marriage

by Michael Jones · 2009-02-10 14:33:00 UTC
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Civil MarriageIn these tough economic times, is there anything a state can do to help bolster its revenue?

Yeah.  Legalize same-sex marriage.

At least that's what one group, the Williams Institute, is arguing when it comes to legislation in Maine that would recognize full marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples.  The group, affiliated with UCLA, has submitted a report to the Portland (ME) Regional Chamber of Commerce which said that if Maine legalized same-sex marriage, it could expect to see up to $49 million in revenue.

In these economic times, an additional $49 million is bound to pique anyone's interest.  Sure enough, the Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce (an affiliate of Portland's Chamber) is set to discuss the potential economic impacts of legalizing gay marriage, and may just offer an endorsement of marriage equality in Maine.

Would the endorsement by the Scarborough or Portland Chambers of Commerce help sway some lawmakers who might otherwise be hesitant to support marriage equality?  It's probably too early to tell.  But if the Williams Institute is right, lawmakers would certainly be placing the interests of Maine voters first in deciding to legalize same-sex marriage, as an extra $49 million jolt to the state's economy would benefit everyone.

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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