Posted on 07/11/2006 4:56:09 PM PDT by SJackson
Massachusetts is the only state in the union that allows same-sex couples to marry.
Since permitting gays and lesbians to formalize their relationships several years ago, Massachusetts has experienced no great shift in its circumstance save an upsurge for the wedding planning industry.
But Massachusetts business leaders believe there have been subtle yet significant benefits to the Bay State as a result of the decision to end marriage discrimination. And they think the benefits will expand as the years go on and as more and more creative and wealthy entrepreneurs decided to make the state their home and headquarters.
That's why the business community in Massachusetts has rallied so aggressively and completely against an attempt by outgoing Gov. Mitt Romney, a likely contender for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, and his allies to promote a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
This window display from early June marking gay pride week in Boston drew heat from same-sex marriage opponents.
The amendment proposal, which will be considered this week by the Massachusetts Legislature, took a big hit last week when 165 of the state's most prominent business, political and community leaders called on legislators to reject the amendment.
"The group, which includes leading bankers, health care executives, lawyers, and leaders of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, has purchased an ad in the Boston Globe that says the amendment would 'take away rights,' " reports the Globe. "It urges lawmakers to 'move on to other important issues like strengthening the economy, improving our schools, and protecting our neighborhoods."
Among the signers of the call are Boston Mayor Tom Menino, Chamber of Commerce President Paul Guzzi and more than 20 members of the group's board of directors, author Robert Parker and members of the families that own the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox sports teams.
Old money, new money, venture capitalists and philanthropists are all on the list.
They agree on one thing: Discrimination and hatemongering are bad for business.
Why does this matter to Wisconsin?
Because, this November, voters in this state will decide whether to enact an amendment to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions.
The ban, a mean-spirited attempt to write discriminatory language into the Wisconsin Constitution, is similar to measures passed in a number of other states.
So far, no state has rejected this sort of amendment at the polls.
Wisconsin could be the first.
A vote for tolerance by Wisconsinites would send a powerful signal to business owners, entrepreneurs and investors nationwide.
Wisconsin does not permit same-sex marriage. Indeed, it does not even sanction civil unions, which allow gay and lesbian families to enjoy some of the protections accorded heterosexual couples.
But, by rejecting the marriage amendment this November, Wisconsin can say to business leaders that this state does not choose to discriminate.
That could turn out to be one of the smartest economic development moves Wisconsin has made in years.
Imagine the boost to the eccomonomy if the crazy cat lady can spend her entire life savings to "marry" all her cats in a polygamist animal/human wedding with 50 cats?
It is just hate mongering to not allow this "marriage equality."
(/s)
Indeed. That's the logical development from what they seek to gain. The logical end to what they seek could be boundless. Total disregard for social values, dismantling the framework of society so they can claim legitimacy for whatever perversion they wish to indulge.
They represent a breakdown of morality and boundaries. Their agenda is to destroy what's safe and true, solely for their selfish ends.
Exactly. Well said.
Thanks for the ping.
Since permitting gays and lesbians to formalize their relationships several years ago, Massachusetts has experienced no great shift in its circumstance save an upsurge for the wedding planning industry.
Is this a valid measure of societal success in regard to marriage? Ticket sales for the Titanic were probably good as well; however, at the end of the day the boat sank...
I suggest taking a look at birth rates for homosexual "marriages". Even if comparing homosexual "marriages" to real marriages that end in divorce; hence, potentially more wedding planning opportunities; I am sure birth rate differences would be substantial...
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