Compelling data proves freedom to marry is good for businesses

Marriage for gay and lesbian couples matters to business leaders because it boosts recruitment, competitiveness, productivity and morale. Workers tend to choose where they want to live before looking for a job and demographic research shows that diversity and inclusion are key factors in their decision of where to live and work.

A recent study by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law found that allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry in Oklahoma would generate more than $20.4 million in new spending in the first three years of marriages, plus more than $1.7 million in sales tax revenue. The freedom to marry grows the economy. Marriage for gay and lesbian couples would bring money into Oklahoma, as it has to other states, thanks to an increase in weddings, visitors from outside of Oklahoma, hotel visits and the collection of more licensing fees.

The freedom to marry saves businesses money and reduces government spending. The muddled patchwork of the current laws on marriage across the nation creates uncertainty, inefficiency, and waste. Under the current system, even companies with the best of intentions regarding full diversity and inclusion are forced by external means to be inconsistent and inequitable with their practices.

Major corporations support the freedom to marry; more than 270 companies, including Intel, submitted a brief to the US Supreme Court arguing that barring same-sex couples from marrying makes it difficult for them to recruit, hire and retain top applicants.

Marriage and family are about love and commitment, working together, bettering the community, raising children, and growing old together. Oklahomans value freedom and believe in supporting all families. Marriage matters - to all Oklahomans. Extending the freedom to marry to all couples is the right thing to do. Support for the freedom to marry is consistent with what businesses stand for. Business leaders believe in treating others as one would want to be treated.

And it’s good for business: The single greatest asset Oklahoma has to offer is its ability to attract and retain the best talent from around the world. To compete with other economic hubs and remain economically viable, Oklahoma must demonstrate a commitment to creating an open, healthy and diverse workforce. In Oklahoma, there are certain truths we hold dear. We should listen to our hearts, and the values we all share—and support the freedom to marry.

Oklahoma Business Leaders for Marriage, as a coalition of Oklahoma corporations, large businesses, and small businesses, is united in their hope that the people of Oklahoma will join in supporting the freedom to marry for all loving, committed couples. Business leaders all across the state believe that marriage matters to all Oklahomans. They believe in an Oklahoma that values freedom and supports all families.

If you are an Oklahoman who owns a business or know business owners who agree, please go to http://action.freedom-ok.org/page/s/business to officially sign the local business pledge and show your support for marriage equality. If you would like more information about Oklahoma Business Leaders for Marriage or Freedom Oklahoma, visit our website at www.freedomoklahoma.orgor give us a call at (405) 309-7496.

The Williams report includes other states information at www.williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/category/research/economic-impact-rep...

by Amanda Snipes, Freedom Oklahoma

Amanda Snipes is the Communications and Outreach Director for Freedom Oklahoma. Freedom Oklahoma represents a broad and diverse coalition of state and national organizations, faith, business and civic leaders and everyday Oklahomans who are joining together to support the freedom to marry.

The Gayly – September 11, 2014 @ 1:05pm