I've heard some proponents of gay marriage claim that politicians largely oppose gay rights in an effort to protect the economic interests of their big-business supporters, most of whom do not want to contribute money for spousal benefits for same-sex couples. I've also heard that the federal government wants to save money by denying death benefits, social security benefits, tax-free inheritances, and joint tax filings to millions of homosexuals living together in monogamous relationships.
I don't know if these economic concerns really shape the moral positions that many of our politicians have on the issue, but it seems that economics is enough to overturn a Massachusetts law that prohibits the state from marrying out-of-state couples whose unions would not be legal in their home states.
According to the NY Times, Massachusetts has taken notice of the economic boost seen in California's tourism and wedding industries since the west-coast state invited out-of-state gay couples to "come and get married here" last month. Recognizing the potential economic benefits, Massachusetts will extend the same invitation to same-sex couples as California.
It's nice to see economic interests break down the walls of discrimination for a change.
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