Gay recognition 'would aid economy'
Irish Independent
By Grainne Cunningham
March 11, 2008

Granting legal recognition to gay couples could be good for the Irish economy, an expert suggested last night.

Dr. Gary Gates, a senior Research Fellow at the California-based Williams Institute, said a highly educated group of Irish emigrants living in the US could be encouraged to return home if the Government recognised same-sex unions.

He estimated that up to one third of all Irish same-sex couples are living in the US and of thsoe, more than 500 have retained their Irish citizenship.

That group "may be among those most likely to return to Ireland to take advantage of a civil partnership law," he said.

"Irish policy makers should look beyond their shores when considering the possible effects of civil partnership legislation, some of which might be good for the Irish economy," he said.

Dr. Gates' detailed analysis of data from the US Census Bureau sheds further light on the estimated 1,200 Irish-born men and women who are living with a same-sex partner in the US.

His research brief from the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy found:

• Two-thirds of Irish-born same-sex partners in the US are women.
• Irish-born same-sex partners are highly educated - almost half (43pc) have a college degree.
• More than one-in-seven couples that include an Irish-born partner (15pc) are raising children.