On Tuesday, the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, released a report that found extending marriage to same-sex couples could add up to $60 million to Virginia’s state economy in three years.

Williams Distinguished Scholar M.V. Lee Badgett, who served as an expert witness in AFER’S Perry case, co-authored the report.

“This study confirms that all Virginians benefit from marriage for same-sex couples, not just the LGBT community,” said Badgett.

Of the 14,244 same-sex couples that live in Virginia, it is estimated 50% of them would marry during the first three years marriage for gay and lesbian couples is legalized, a trend that has been observed nationwide. The report approximates nearly 5,000 marriages could occur in the first year alone bringing up to $38 million in revenue for the Commonwealth.

Other key findings include:

1. The economic boost would be likely to add $2.5 million to $3.2 million tax dollars to the state and local coffers.
2. Legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples can generate approximately 459 to 595 jobs in Virginia within the first three years.
3. Upwards of $6.4 million could be spent by out-of-town wedding guests in the Commonwealth within the first year alone and may reach a three-year high of $10 million.
4. Tourism would increase as over 100,000 out-of-town wedding guests may visit the state within the first three years of legalized marriage for same-sex couples.

Read the full report here >