Study Finds Bringing Marriage to Rhode Island Would Bolster State’s Bottom Line

A new study from UCLA’s Williams Institute says that legalizing marriage for gay couples in Rhode Island would generate $1.2 million for the state budget over three years. The report shows that claims by opponents that the freedom to marry would somehow cost the government money just aren't true.

The money would come from higher income taxes, lower welfare payments, marriage license fees, and revenue from sales taxes generated on weddings.

The report is in line with a congressional study done in 2004. It found that if marriage discrimination were ended nationwide, it would mean a $1 billion benefit for the federal budget over 10 years.