An Interesting Way to Stimulate the Economy

The legalization of same-sex unions, whether called marriage or civil unions, has been called many things over the years. To many people its a sign of growing acceptance for same-sex couples and is an important step in the right direction towards equality for all. Others view it as a step in the wrong direction that could lead to the downfall of the "traditional family." But now there may be a new way to classify the legalization of same-sex unions: as an economic boon.

This week, CNN posted a story about how same-sex marriage in California could pump $684 million into the state's economy over the next three years. With a whole new segment of the population now able to get married, same-sex couples looking to tie the knot are now among the crowd booking wedding locations, buying flowers, cakes, decorations, tuxedos, and dresses. It's a somewhat overlooked fact in the whole scheme of things, but think about how much a wedding costs, and then multiply that by the estimated 50,000 new couples expected to get married in California over the next few years.

Back when New Hampshire legalized civil unions, experts also expected a similar economic boom in the state due to wedding purchases and tourism to the more gay and lesbian-friendly state. While not everyone sees eye to eye on the issue of same-sex marriage, everyone can agree that the economy isn't in the greatest shape right now. So I say, why not take any economic help we can get?

The net effect, as I see it, is happier, better protected families, and more money flowing into states that desperately need to turn things around in the economic department. That may be oversimplifying things a bit, but I say hooray for California for this extra bit of good news.