Same-Sex Marriage: What's the Economic Impact?
DiversityInc.
By Daryl C. Hannah
May 26, 2009

The debate over same-sex marriage has polarized voters along both racial and political lines. And while the fate of marriage equality in states such as California and New York remains to be seen, the economy could be a crucial catalyst in changing the minds of some anti-same-sex-marriage voters.

A new study released by UCLA's Williams Institute shows that states that extended marriage to same-sex couples attracted more upwardly mobile gay and lesbian couples. States that create a welcoming, inclusive environment will see a sizable boost in consumer spending. For example, Massachusetts experienced an economic boost of more than $100 million.

According to the study, which used Massachusetts' 5-year anniversary of granting same-sex marriage as a snapshot of the overall trend, found that gay and lesbian nuptials will "attract some same-sex couples to move to a state, in particular young, mobile and highly educated individuals--members of what has been called the creative class--who are vital to economic development in a post-industrial economy." The study also showed an increase in younger, "more highly educated and skilled" females.


Here are more details from the migration study:


· Between 2002 and 2004, Massachusetts saw a net loss of 603 individuals in same-sex couples. After marriage equality, the state gained 119 individuals in same-sex couples.

· Individuals in same-sex couples were 2.5 times more likely to move to Massachusetts in the three years after marriage equality than in the three years before. Among all states, Massachusetts ranked third in this statistic. (Among New England and Northeastern states, Massachusetts ranked first.)

· Gay and lesbian couples who moved to Massachusetts after marriage equality were younger than individuals who moved before; the average age fell from 41 to 29.

· Sixty-nine percent of people in same-sex couples who moved to Massachusetts after marriage equality were female, compared with only 27 percent among those who moved before. This is consistent with data showing that approximately two-thirds of marriages in the state are among female couples.

· When breaking out individuals in same-sex couples who are in "the creative class," 86 percent moved to Massachusetts after marriage equality versus 45 percent who moved before marriage equality.

· Another survey called the Health and Marriage Equality in Massachusetts, which polled 559 same-sex individuals who are married in Massachusetts, found that more than half (51 percent) said marriage equality or the state's LGBT-rights climate was a factor in their decision to move there; 20 percent cited marriage equality as the only factor for their move.


Why Should California Care?

The state's near bankruptcy. Further, California is missing out on millions. Another study by the Williams Institute found that California, by not granting same-sex marriage, would forgo as much as $64 million in tax revenues and license fees over three years. The study also showed that by allowing same-sex marriage, spending on lesbian and gay weddings and tourism would generate $55.1 million in state and local tax revenues and support more than 2,178 jobs.