Extending marriage to same-sex couples in Arizona would generate an estimated $61.9 million in spending to the state’s economy and generate over 500 new jobs over three years, according to a new study.
Researchers at the Williams Institute, an independent think tank at UCLA’s School of Law, estimates that — based on 2010 U.S. Census data — 15,817 same-sex couples live in Arizona. Of those couples, the Institute estimates that 50 percent (7,909 couples) would choose to marry in the first three years, a pattern that has been observed in Massachusetts and elsewhere.
Over 5,000 marriages would occur in the first year alone, and bring up to $39 million in revenue to the state of Arizona that year.
“This study confirms that all Arizonans benefit from marriage for same-sex couples, not just the LGBT community,” said study author, M.V. Lee Badgett;
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Key findings include:
- 7,909 in-state same-sex couples would choose to marry in the three years following an opening of marriage to same-sex couples in Arizona.
-
The total spending on wedding arrangements and tourism by resident same-sex couples and their guests would add an estimated $61.9 million to the state and local economy of Arizona over the course of three years, with a $39.6 million boost in the first year alone.
This economic boost would add $5.1 million in sales tax revenue to the state coffer. -
Spending related to same-sex couples’ wedding ceremonies and celebrations could generate up to 517 full- and part-time jobs in the state.
Article continues below
Currently there are two federal laws pending challenging Arizona’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Don't forget to share: