Same-sex marriage could bring a massive economic boost if legalised in Australia.
The tourism and finance industries believe that Australia could be a hot destination for same-sex weddings and that it could boost the country’s economy by AUD $1 billion in the first year.
The Queensland Department of Tourism says legalising same-sex marriage could result in a number of key economic benefits.
“We could see increased spending relating to honeymoon expenditure, including travel and accommodation, wedding planning, increased catering services and out-of-state wedding guests,” a spokesperson said.
Beautiful and tasty wedding cake at wedding reception (Photo: halfpoint)
“Increased spending generated by same-sex couples will create additional jobs.
“State Government revenue from same-sex marriage licence fees and from conducting ceremonies in state-run registries of births, deaths, and marriage [would rise].
“State and Commonwealth Governments will [also] benefit directly from the increase in spending through a range of taxes.”
Economists from ANZ, Cherelle Murphy and Mandeep Kaura, told ABC News that they had looked into the economics of same-sex marriage.
“If half of the population of same-sex couples chose to marry within one year, the benefits to the economy in the first year of the legislation would be over $1 billion,” they said.
They drew their conclusions from the 2011 Census which found that there were 34,000 openly gay couples in Australia.
46,000 couples told the last census that they were in same-sex relationships.
The issue of same-sex marriage has proven extremely divisive in recent weeks.
Macklemore played at the NRL grand final this weekend in Australia, and despite complaints played his ‘Same Love’ same-sex marriage anthem.
The crowd were clearly overjoyed by the performance by Macklemore and Mary Lambert at the Australian National Rugby League final.
The rapper, as well as performing the song, made a plea for equality at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 01: Macklemore performs prior to the 2017 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
“This is an issue that I feel strongly about, that I feel passionate about. These people are human beings that should have the exact same rights as everybody else,” he told the crowds.
He also changed the lyrics to Same Love to “the country” being united by love.
“Performing Same Love in Australia is not about being political,” Lambert told the Advocate on Thursday.
“It’s about being human.”
Watch the performance below:
As Australia votes on equal marriage, controversy erupted over plans for rapper Macklemore’s setlist to perform at the country’s National Rugby League Grand Final.
The song reached number one in Australia despite calls for a homophobic song to be performed for “balance”.
MyPinkNews members are invited to comment on articles to discuss the content we publish, or debate issues more generally. Please familiarise yourself with our community guidelines to ensure that our community remains a safe and inclusive space for all.
