Jun 10, 2008 11:08 pm US/Pacific
Gay Marriage Could Boost Calif. Economy
Hotels, Restaurants Reporting Business Flurry
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ―
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Gay rights advocates were cheering in California when its ban on gay marriage was overturned May 14, now in New York State, gay rights advocates have almost as much to cheer about.
CBS
The ruling by the California Supreme Court to legalize gay marriage in the state could give a big, sudden boost to California's sputtering economy.
Thousands of same-sex couples are expected to marry once the decision takes effect June 16th. Hotels, restaurants, florists and other wedding services are reporting a flurry of business.
A study issued this week by UCLA's Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation and the Law projects that about half of the state's more than 100,000 same-sex couples will get married during the next three years. The institute says an additional 68,000 out-of-state couples will travel to California to exchange vows, unless voters overturn the court ruling in a referendum.
The study estimates the marriage ruling will mean an additional 64 million dollars in state tax revenue, nine million in county marriage-license fees and some 2,200 jobs.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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