We've all heard it: We're in a recession. Gas prices are ridiculous, the cost of goods are rising, but for some people it's not all bad news. After years of inequality, gay and lesbian couples can finally apply for marriage licenses in California. This could mean a lot to our troubled economy.
Last month, the California Supreme Court made a historic and controversial decision by voting 4-3 in support for fairness, equality and respect for all couples-gay or straight. The state would recognize "the right of an individual to establish a legally recognized family with the person of one's choice," Chief Justice Ronald George said. Public support for marriage equality has grown substantially in recent years. Field poll results from 1977 show a 28 percent approval of gay marriage, compared to the 51 percent who support it today.
For many people who do not support marriage equality, one factor might help change their minds. In a speech given in San Francisco, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that he hoped the newly attained rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community would lead to an economic boom to California's troubled economy. A recent study issued by the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law at UCLA estimated that gay and lesbian couples would spend close to $684 million in the next three years on wedding expenditures such as cakes, photographers, invitations, dresses, limo rentals, hotels and more.
Researchers estimate that more than half of California's 100,000 same-sex couples will exchange vows during the next three years. Unlike Massachusetts, the only other state that issues same-sex marriage licenses, there is no residency prerequisite in order to be issued a license. That means out-of-state dollars will be flowing into the California economy, which has in effect created a monopoly on same-sex marriages, an ideal economic condition for the state. Added on to this, New York has recently announced that it will recognize all out-of-state marriage licenses, further encouraging couples to take the plunge.
It's estimated that 68,000 out-of-state couples will come to California specifically to wed. The researchers state that same-sex weddings will generate $64 million in tax revenues for the state, $9 million in marriage-license fees from all the counties in the state and create and sustain about 2,200 jobs. By some estimates, weddings and commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples generate $1 billion a year in revenue. PlanetOut, a media and entertainment company that conducts surveys, states Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender consumers earn 20 percent more than their straight counterparts on average, and spend about 10 percent more on nuptials.
These are no small numbers. Even conservatives who oppose marriage equality should stop and consider these figures when heading to the polls on November 4.
That's right, despite the Supreme Court's ruling, an initiative has qualified for the November ballot that will ask voters whether the State Constitution should be amended to explicitly state that marriage is between a man and a woman.
If it were to pass, this amendment would trump the Supreme Court ruling of May 15. The fear that this important and historic right will be taken away is compelling many same-sex couples to marry as soon as possible. This new found right may be short lived if enough Californians decide that a more stable economy is not worth extending basic civil rights to the LGBT community. Before you go to vote "yes" on the limits on marriage, think twice.
Arguments focusing on fairness and equality might not tug on your heartstrings, but this estimated economic boost might reach your purse strings. Voting "no" on this unjust initiative will mean more than improving an unstable economy, it will mean furthering our society in allocating freedom to all facets of our civilization. Come November vote "no" on limiting marriage equality. It seems like a win-win situation to me.
-Allan Acevedo is a political science and ISCOR sophomore and a staff columnist.
-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to letters@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed - include your full name, major and year in school.
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