An American academic who has extensively researched the impact of same-sex marriage in Europe and North America is in Australia to present her findings to state and federal politicians.
Professor Lee Badgett, who is an economics professor at the University of Massachusetts and Director of the Williams Institute at UCLA, has found that marriage fosters greater commitment between same-sex partners, acceptance within their families and security and stability for their children.
She has also researched the immense economic impact of marriage equality in several US states through the wedding-spend of same-sex couples.
Prof Badgett said,
“My message to Australian policymakers is that allowing same-sex couples to marry has had beneficial impact overseas by strengthening relationships and bringing families closer together.”
“It has also provided places that are willing to take the lead on equality with an economic dividend through the wedding-spend of same-sex couples.”
“I also want to stress that the fearful predictions of some opponents of equality have not been borne out by the overseas experience.”
While in Australia Prof Badgett will speak to a range of state and federal politicians from both parties.
Her itinerary includes:
Hobart
Feb 22 and 23: Release of report showing Tasmanian would benefit by up to $96 million if it was the first state to allow same-sex marriages. Meeting with Premier Lara Giddings. (Factsheet here).
Sydney
Feb 24: Meetings with NSW state MPs to encourage support for a motion giving in-principle support to marriage equality
Canberra
Feb 27: 5.30-6.30pm, Address to MPs and members of the press gallery, Private Dining Rooms 1&4, Australian Parliament House.
Mar 1: 1.00-2.00pm, Address at ANU Law School, Law Link Theatre ANU College of Law, Bdg 5, Fellows Rd, Acton. (Flyer here)
Sydney
Mar 2: 5.00 – 6.30 pm, Address at the Whitlam Institute, Trades Hall Auditorium 4-10 Goulburn St (Haymarket) Sydney
For more information or interviews with Prof Badgett contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.