LOS ANGELES — Extending marriage to same-sex couples in Indiana would generate over $39 million in spending to the state economy, according to a new report by researchers at the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.
According to 2010 U.S. Census, the most recent data available, 11,074 same-sex couples live in Indiana. Of those couples, the Institute estimates that 50 percent (5,537 couples) would choose to marry in the first three years, a pattern that has been observed in Massachusetts and elsewhere.
Over 3,000 marriages would occur in the first year alone, and bring up to $25 million in revenue to the state of Indiana that year.
“This study confirms that all Indianans benefit from marriage for same-sex couples, not just the LGBT community,” said M.V. Lee Badgett, co-author of the report.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
According to 2010 U.S. Census, the most recent data available, 11,074 same-sex couples live in Indiana. Of those couples, the Institute estimates that 50 percent (5,537 couples) would choose to marry in the first three years, a pattern that has been observed in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Over 3,000 marriages would occur in the first year alone, and bring up to $25 million in revenue to the state of Indiana that year.
Other key findings:
- The total spending on wedding arrangements and tourism by resident same-sex couples and their guests would add an estimated $39.1 million to the state and local economy of Indiana over the course of three years, with a $25 million boost in the first year alone.
- Marriage equality would add $2.7 million in sales tax revenue to the state coffer.
- Spending related to same-sex couples’ wedding ceremonies and celebrations would generate 564 full- and part-time jobs in the state.
Article continues below
There are currently five federal lawsuits challenging Indiana’s same-sex marriage ban.
Last month, a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order requiring Indiana to recognize the same-sex marriage of a terminally ill woman. The judge did not rule on whether Indiana’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional — that ruling is expected to come later.
The case is one of five federal lawsuits challenging Indiana’s same-sex marriage ban.
