Don We Now Our Gay Apparel

As the holidays approach and the economy is grasping for anything that might turn a coin or loose some consumer spending, there is an unexpected benefit in jurisdictions that now support same-sex marriage. These new weddings, the ceremonies, the planning they engender and the resultant honeymoon travel are all – ka’ching – money in the bank to those businesses that cater to weddings and the resultant spending aftermath… not to mention all that extra business for divorce lawyers in years following, if same sex marriages follow the patterns of traditional marriages.

Around the world, same sex marriages are recognized in eleven countries (Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and Sweden) and various states inside of the United States and Mexico. In the U.S., “[s]ince 2004, nine states—Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington—as well as the District of Columbia and two Native American tribes—have legalized same-sex marriage. In addition, Rhode Island recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states, and California, which briefly granted same-sex marriages in 2008, now recognizes them on a conditional basis.” Wikipedia. Maine, Maryland and Washington are the most recent entrants into this arena, with the November 6^th election blessing such same sex unions.

“The [Williams] Institute [at UCLA Law] estimates that same-sex couples in Maine will collectively spend $15.5 million, Maryland couples will spend $62.6 million and Washingtonians will spend $88.5 million on weddings. The estimates are based on 2010 U.S. Census data and each state's average wedding spending. The researchers assumed that half of the states' same-sex couples (that's nearly 18,000 of about 35,000 gay couples in all three states combined) will marry within three years…

“Economists have followed gay marriage's impact on the wedding industry and local economies since Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex unions in 2004. The Williams Institute found that from May 2004 to September 2008, the Massachusetts economy enjoyed a $111 million boost as a result of gay marriage legalization… And in July, CNN Money reported that the legalization of gay marriage in New York boosted New York City's economy by $259 million in just one year.” Huffington Post, November 12^th.

Of course, it’s not really about the economy, but about personal freedoms and basic rights. Just nice to know that there are a few benefits even for those who oppose these rights, however indirect such ancillary goodies might be. And then there is the likely impact of the liberalization on medical marijuana (18 states plus the District of Columbia) on the economy. Go figure!

I’m Peter Dekom, and usually letting people do what they really want to do – that does not impinge on anyone else – is good for us all.