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Loading ...Maine inkeeps say gay marriage could save industry
02.27.2009 3:09pm EST
(Augusta, Maine) With the nation in the grip of an economic crisis that is threatening tourism across the country, Maine’s inns, tourism agencies, and the wedding industry say legalizing same-sex marriage in the state could save them from disaster.
A bill that would repeal Maine’s so-called Defense of Marriage law which bars same-sex marriage and a bill that would make marriage gender-neutral will be considered this year in the State House.Industry representatives this week began a lobbying campaign to support the legislation and have begun meetings with lawmakers.
They point to a recent study by the Williams Institute, a think tank at the University of California Los Angeles that found extending marriage to same-sex couples would boost Maine’s economy by $60 million over three years, which would generate increases in state and local government tax and fee revenues by almost $3.6 million.
“Judging from the experience of other states that have extended marriage and civil unions to same-sex couples, such as Massachusetts and Vermont, approximately half of the 4,644 same-sex couples living in Maine, or 2,316 couples, will marry in the next three years,” the study said.
“In addition, approximately 15,657 same-sex couples from other states will come to Maine to marry. These couples will primarily come from New York, where they are likely to have their marriages recognized, and from states in the immediate Northeast region,” the Institute found.
Barbara Whitten from the Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau said that when the bureau launched an LGBT tourism campaign several years ago the region say a spike in people coming to the area.
Whitten said she believes same-sex marriage would have a serious positive impact on tourism.
Some vacation spots in the state are predicting a 60 percent drop in tourism in general this year as a result of the current national economic crisis.
But Innkeeper David Weeda, who owns a BB at Williams Pond said it is not not just about money.
“This is just another moment in the long history of civil rights that this nation has been addressing for its entire history. This is Maine’s moment. This is Maine’s chance to get it right,” said Weeda.
I love it…the almighty dollar will be the deciding fator in allowing gay marriages…only in America!
Sounds good to me. Giving everyone the same rights sure could not hurt things.
I was surprised I did not hear more from tourism boards for No on 8 in Ca.
Tom in Long Beach
Go Maine! What a great state. Come on up and visit this summer, everyone, and see why it is such a great place to relax, get out on the water and be active. Incredible parks, mountain/oceanside hikes, thousands of islands just a paddle off shore, great sailing, wildlife (I often see 4 or 5 balk eagles fishing at once..they are as common as Robins). You really don’t know what you’re missing if you haven’t come to maine!
Maine has always had an interesting blend of conservative and liberal politics. Marriage equality fits this balance well….conservative people I know there don’t want to be in my business and of course the libs like the BB owner interviewed get it.
If Maine passes marriage equality I hope some of you will come. I’m already married in Mass or I’d be the first in line at our tiny little town hall to get a certificate. And I know how the ladies there would react…they already issue our clamming licenses and various registrations so they know we’re a couple..and everyone welcomes us.
Come experience for yourself. These proprietors are going out of there way for our money and offering their support. Please return it in kind.
It would be great if the politicians here in Hawaii understand the same message. The tourist industry is dying yet many people are against the civil union bill now before the state senate. If the bill doesn’t pass, I hope gay people from around the country will stop coming to homophobic Hawaii. They call this the land of “Aloha” but America would be shocked if they heard all the hate coming from the Catholic clergy and their flock at a recent hearing.
Personally, I find it a little sickening when I hear the argument that all people should support gay civil rights (esp. marriage equality) because of the economic benefits for the states and private industries involved.
Now, I know that for some people (in my experience, it seems straight, white, middle-aged males LOVE to THINK like this) its the only way to get them on board for same-sex marriage, but I’d like to think that most people that do (and eventually, will) support same-sex marriage do so because it is the fair, just, humane position to take on the matter.
marriage Equality in half assed redneck Maine? LMAO! I’ll believe THAT when i see it! Ayuhhhhh! LMFAO!
As J.C. said, “only in America!” Money trumps fairness and equality. As I recall my history, much of equality standards came down to money or power. Oh well, whatever it takes I will take it. Once we have it, then we all can demonstrate more freely that we are no different then anyone else.
How sad that Maine merchants favor same sex marriage because of the money it will bring to the state, rather than because it is the right thing to do. Americans need to grow up and learn to be guided by good values, rather than by money.
My husband and I have gone to Massachusettes twice a yr. (granted it’s only 8 hrs from Pa.)since they started allowing gay marriage there. we finally married last Sept and went there last month and are planning another trip in June and again in sept for family week at P-town would we consider Maine as a stop on our vacation? depends on how this bill goes and whether or not equality comes to Maine.We are firm believers in supporting those that support us across the board if we aren’t good enough for them then our money is better spent elsewhere.These states need to stop and realize that they arent just courting a gay or lesbian couple anymore but they need to make room for our extended families or we will just simply go somewhere that does
Maine’s not “redneck” in the same sense as, say, Alabama. Granted, every place has at least some segment who you know must have a family tree like a telephone pole, but Mainers just don’t have that compulsion to get up in other peoples’ business. The very fact that the hopsitality industry is being this direct in support of marriage shows me that these are people who see it’s the right time to change. Sure, it’s in their financial interests, but there’s no way that one or two bad years would yield a similar result in most of the South.
Hawai’i…well, it’s not just the Catholics, but there’s that huge Mormon contingent too. A lot of Hawai’i’s old money, power money, is Mormon. I still can’t quite imagine a tropical paradise where people insist on being bigots, but that’s their cross to bear and not mine. Hawai’i’s mentality is still colonial in the sense that the conservative forces have also preserved the state’s reliance on factory farms and tourism, which helps keep the old powers and the old ways intact. That thinking leaves Hawai’i caught in that rigid mentality, instead of giving itself the luxury of not meddling in a neighbor’s affairs–a mentality which was more common before the missionaries came.
Look out homophobes of Maine!
Make way for the homos!
TJNV – Everyone has the same rights now.
J.M.E. – I like the cynicism – various people simultaneously complaining that it takes financial interest to spur this movement while saying, ‘great! We’ll use it!’ And for what? Well, apparently to support the lie that gay relationships are the same as straight relationships.
At least it’s the legislative body making the decision and not the courts imposing it. This should be far more important than the idea that it’s being done so hotel managers can turn a profit. But it’s never been about why or how it’s done, just so long as it’s done.
Apparently Maine can’t entice anyone to come to the state because everyone’s too poor from this ‘crisis’ but the only people not suffering financially are homosexuals (not that I even buy this unsupported premise in the first place).
I recall reading somewhere that Canadian tourist groups were similarly enthused when their country legalized same-sex marriage. I remember one woman interviewed saying something like: “This could totally make up for SARS!”.
Hey, why not bring it up as a finicial issue. That is THE focus on this year, and this new presidency. It’s the major issue on everyone’s mind. Yes, marriage should be allowed because it is fair and equal, but why not bring in other facts and factors to help pump up the results. Plus Maine needs it. I used to live in Bangor and the moved to California, and noticed a huge difference in the economy. If Maine can get anything to boost their economy, they NEED to look into it. ANd it’s never just about equality. DUH people! We want marriage, no civil unions, because of the LEGAL ramifications and advances it has. If it was just about equality, then there wouldn’t be as much fire behind the campaign. You have to reach ALL audiences.