I have always been interested in the
business aspect of things, especially when it comes to politics. We’ve
heard people talk about how legalizing marijuana would bring in tax revenues,
but how about same-sex marriage?
It’s an interesting debate that we can
see going on – one side states that same-sex marriage is wrong and against
religion, others feel that it is a constitutional right for people to marry. I
vote that same sex couples should marry for various reasons, but more
specifically the economic benefits.
In a publication done by a University of
Michigan professor, it was stated that “legalizing same-sex marriage wouldbring in between $20-40 million in taxes per year.” And, CNN stated that legalizing gay marriage in NYC “boosted its economy by
$259 million in first year”
How though? Well, in many ways. One could be related
to the ceremony, where couples usually drop a lot of money on the event, family
flies in from out of town (hotel fees) and the general spending that goes along
with it (buying a ring, etc). In addition are the fees acquired from the licenses.
Having more money as a couple can too help the banks, as more money with thecorporations could allow for more funds to available for lending.
And, I also recall from a lecture in a class before
that by getting married, the couple is less likely to fall into the safety net
of the government (i.e. welfare) in comparison to single citizens. Health
benefits due to insurance/employers could also be shared with a same-sex
spouse, which would allow for a less amount of debt if a person were to have
medical treatment. The New York Times reported that gay couples end up spending
much more in terms of health treatment due to the inadequate laws that allow
for the sharing of medical insurance.
Now while some may argue that same-sex marriage would
cost more due to benefits being available to homosexual couples, the cost is
still not as much as the economic benefit of legalizing gay marriage. According
to Douglas Holtz-Eakin, “state and federal budgets will actually get a positive
boost if gay couples are allowed to marry. Any additional state and federal
spending on benefits would be outweighed by savings from lower cash assistance
and Medicaid spending.”
While I do understand that religion plays a big part
in peoples’ views on same sex marriage, I still believe that the positives of
it would be for the better of this nation as a whole, and can really benefit
all of us with the additional amount of money.
I think you've hit the nail on the head with this post, Asif. I genuinely consider the economics of marriage (personally) over the religious aspects when I consider the pertinent issue of legalizing gay marriage.
ReplyDeleteIn America, we are brought up with the understanding that this country is a place that treats all of its citizens equally, regardless of gender, race, or religion. If all citizens is to include homosexuals, which I don't see why it should not, then why do we revoke the privilege of marriage-- a seemingly universal right/capability of all Americans? To that effect, I also wonder why, then, the question of legalizing gay marriage often falls into the hands of a religious debate. In a way, we are allowing a select few religious denominations in America, who coincidentally (?) and certainly fortunately have significant congressional lobbying power to dominate the discussion.
If we are a country that truly distinguishes the church from the state, then I agree that the legalities and economics of gay marriage should be the largest indication that gay marriage should be legalized, religious politics -- though as you say, undoubtedly important-- aside. The economic benefit of legalizing gay marriage serves to increase economic benefit for everyone, and national interest is really what governmental policy is interested in, isn't it?
in the past when proposing marijuana legalization***
ReplyDeleteAsif, you have brought up some interesting points with your blog post. It seems that the argument over same sex marriage has been largely dominated by religion, when instead we should be focusing on how it affects the government. And since, the government and economy usually go hand in hand, I am stunned that I have not seen these statistics and numbers before this post. Cassandra, I also question why religion seems to take precedence in such debates, debates that have more to do with equal rights and privileges that should be available to all US citizens.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a no-brainer. According to the numbers provided in this blog, states would only be benefitting from the legalization of same sex marriage. While I am no expert in business, I could only infer that a 259 million dollar boost for the NYC economy is a great thing, especially after the struggles the economy has faced after the most recent recession. What really frustrates me is the lack of initiative by our own elected representatives to allow marriage for same sex couples. If they were solely looking to help the economy (and as a result, help the people- due to an increase of jobs, etc.) , most would be for same sex marriage. However, personal beliefs cloud judgement, and the need to stay in office and appease a subset of voters, unfortunately, sways politicians to put personal interest over public interest.