Study: Maryland
Makes Money With Same-Sex Marriage

Legalizing same-sex marriage in Maryland would result in a $3.2 million gain to the state's annual budget and significantly boost the state economy, according to a study released Wednesday by the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law. The study found that about 7,800 same-sex couples would marry if they could and that such weddings would generate $94 million in revenue each year, stimulating Maryland businesses and the state economy in general. This spending, the study showed, would create about $14 million in annual tax revenue as well.

Researchers also concluded that the loss in state income tax due to same-sex marriage would be minimal: only about $132,000 annually. The state would also suffer a loss of $1.4 million from transfer taxes.

The Williams Institute released another report Wednesday with demographic and economic information on Maryland's same-sex couples. The results showed that 80% of people in same-sex couples are employed, compared to 70% of heterosexual married individuals. The findings also showed that same-sex couples with children earn an average of $58,572, compared to $91,383 for married parents. (The Advocate)