Marriage equality makes money—in Iowa. California-based Williams Institute discovered same-sex weddings and tourism pumped nearly $13 million into the state’s economy in 2009 and 2010, the Huffington Post reports.
Visiting couples contributed $2.2 million. The institute also found Iowa reaped more than $900,000 in taxes. Nearly 2,100 couples took advantage of the right to marry, after gay marriage became legal in April 2009.
One Iowa Executive Director Troy Price believes marriage equality’s economic impact speaks volumes.
“Marriage equality has had, and continues to have, only a positive impact on our state,” Price said in a statement.
Price said opponents remain committed to ending marriage equality. Erasing marriage equality’s economic benefit is the method to their madness. Given the bleak employment picture, Price questioned their approach.
“Why would we pass a discriminatory constitutional amendment that would hurt not only loving and committed gay and lesbian couples, but our fragile economy as well?” Price said.
The new report was issued at request of Iowa State Sen. Matt McCoy (D), who served on One Iowa’s board.
Marriage Equality Back on Maine Ballot
Charles Summers Jr.
Gay marriage is going on Maine’s 2012 ballot. Marriage equality supporters needed 35,000 signatures, but have garnered more than 100,000 names, Queerty reports.
Voters will decide gay marriage’s fate again. Mainers voted down marriage equality in 2009. Maine lawmakers approved marriage equality in May of that year, which Queerty also reported.
However, voters repealed the law on Nov. 3, 2009. Marriage equality advocates began gathering signatures after receiving Maine Secretary of State Charles Summers Jr.’s blessing in August.
Photo credit: Lilia Ahner; Maine Secretary of State Charles E. Summers Jr. via maine.gov
