Gay marriage is beneficial to the economy
A country or state can create a more competitive economic market by legalizing gay marriage. Many businesses argue that legalizing gay marriage would allow employers a larger pool of creative and hard-working employees. Local economies would also benefit from the revenue from weddings and marriage license fees.
LGBTQ
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Context
A government's role is to make decisions in the financial interests of its citizens. Legalising same-sex marriage has more economic benefits than prohibiting it.
The Argument
Top business leaders often endorse gay marriage due to the economic benefits it can bring to a country or region.
By legalizing gay marriage, a country or state can make itself more competitive than other economic markets. Homosexual couples will view the region more favourably when looking for work, allowing local employers to recruit from a wider talent pool.
As more people are drawn to the area, the local economy also benefits from taxes. The government also generates additional revenue from same-sex marriage license fees. [1]
Economists estimate that the state of Massachusetts enjoyed an economic windfall of $111 million due to its decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Counter arguments
Supporting same-sex marriage on economic terms is not good for anyone. The economic argument has no place in the debate.
Firstly, linking civil rights to economic perks is dehumanising. The value of having gays, lesbian and bisexual couples in society goes well beyond any economic perks afforded to the society.
Secondly, if we accept this as a valid argument for gay marriage, what happens if in the future circumstances change and it no longer makes economic sense to keep gay marriage legal? Are marriage rights taken away from homosexual couples? Conflating civil rights with economic benefits is a dangerous connection to make and could have disastrous long-term implications.[1]
Proponents
Premises
[P1] The government has the responsibility to legislate in the economic interests of its citizens.
[P2] Legalising gay marriage makes the most economic sense.
[P3] Therefore, gay marriage should be legal.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P1] Civil rights are more important than economic rights. A government's legislation should always reflect that.