Officials Look at NY Gay Marriages as Chance for Economic Gain
The New York Department of Economic Development has controversially indicated that it will give homosexual couples incentives to exchange nuptials in the state. The move has come about as the department looks to cash-in on the possible economic boost an influx of gay couples could bring to the state.
The Department of Economic Development has incorporated a rainbow motif into its logo in advance of Sunday, when the first gay marriages will be permitted in New York.
Aside from the special logo, the department’s website is also offering an array of vacation packages throughout New York State.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The tourism campaign is known as “Save the Date”, and is seeking to attract homosexuals to New York as an ideal wedding location. The campaign was created to "establish New York as a premier destination location for same-sex weddings.”
Kenneth Adams, Empire State Development president, expressed his excitement about the initiative and especially that State Governor Andrew Cuomo is giving his support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in New York.
"Starting July 24, on the strength of its incredible travel destinations and the progressive leadership of Gov. Cuomo, New York will be well-positioned to compete with neighboring states for critical tourism dollars to boost our economy," Adams said.
However, the Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie, disagrees with Cuomo's stance. In the past, Christie has publicly expressed his opposition to legalizing gay marriage and has instead supported civil unions in his state.
Despite the economic benefits that it might provide for the state of New Jersey, Christie told The Star-Ledger that increased state revenue was not enough incentive to support the Marriage Equality Act.
“I don’t think gay marriage is an economic competition issue,” Christie told The-Star Ledger last June. “I support civil unions.”
The New York City Comptroller’s office has stated that the Marriage Equality Act could bring the New York state economy up to $210 million in the next three years.
Aside from “Save the Date,” other businesses are taking advantage of the Marriage Equality Act that will officially come into force on Sunday. Some of these businesses are even cutting prices in order to attract more homosexual couples.
"Every sector of New York's travel and tourism industry will immediately benefit from the economic opportunities created by same-sex marriage," Adams said.
