Who would have guessed that the slow economy could actually make an upturn
because of gay marriage of all things! It's less than a week here until it can be a reality...the date to watch: June 16th.These are some interesting factoid highlights...
The gay marriage ruling could give a big, sudden boost to California's sputtering economy, with thousands of same-sex couples from across the nation expected to converge on the state when the decision takes effect June 16. Hotels, restaurants, florists and other wedding services are reporting a flurry of business.
"The good news for California is that in the face of probably the worst budget problems the state has ever faced, the LGBT wedding industry is going to be a financial shot in the arm," said Jeffrey Prang, mayor of West Hollywood, a popular destination for gay travelers in Southern California.
A study issued this week by UCLA's Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation and the Law projected that gay men and lesbians will spend $684 million on cakes, photographers and other services over the next three years unless voters reverse the high court's ruling in the fall.
The researchers found that about half of the state's more than 100,000 same-sex couples will get married during the next three years, and an additional 68,000 out-of-state couples will travel to California to exchange vows. The study estimated that over that period, gay weddings will generate $64 million in tax revenue for the state, $9 million in marriage-license fees for counties, and some 2,200 jobs.
Look at those numbers! Being as close to San Fran as we are here in Redding means people are really waiting to see what happens. Economic changes like these showing up could help the vote in November that will either keep or nix the judge's ruling to allow the marriages. Let's hope the boost gets people on both sides of the party line thinking.
Image courtesy http://www.gothamgazette.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment