Gay Marriage Shows States Luring Discriminated Couples

[MNBrewer]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-14/gay-marriage-shows-states-luring-discriminated-couples-economy.html?cmpid=yhoo

Hans Bernhard and Mitch Null say they may leave North Carolina -- taking their daughter, their jobs as a veterinarian and an information technology business operations manager at Cisco Systems Inc. and the tax revenue from their properties.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act, the couple is considering moving to Maryland, where they could have a recognized marriage and guaranteed access to the related federal benefits. Bernhard could also become a lawful father to the couple’s 1-year-old daughter, Eva, since North Carolina law prevents residents from adopting a child if they aren’t married to the legal parent.

Thirteen states and the District of Columbia, making up 34 percent of gross domestic product, have legalized same-sex marriage, including Minnesota and Rhode Island, where laws took effect Aug. 1. Laws ban the practice in 35 states, with five of those allowing civil unions or domestic partnerships. New Mexico does not expressly sanction or ban same-sex matrimony; New Jersey allows civil unions.

Bernhard and Null’s dilemma illustrates the economic benefits and consequences of a state’s same-sex marriage policy. Following the Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling, gay rights proponents and some economic development officials say states with gay-friendly laws can leverage them for financial gain, while those with prohibitive policies will miss out.

[William769]

1. Good!

I want to leave Florida but will be going to Kentucky (yea I know), but at least I will be closer to marriage equality States.

And for what it's worth I see Kentucky with marriage equality before Florida. Now figure that one out.

[MNBrewer]

2. I figure MN and IA are well situated to benefit

being the only marriage-equality states in flyover.

[Not Me]

3. I think KY and FL will get marriage equality at the same time.

And that will come when SCOTUS grows a set and takes a case from a circuit court and applies it broadly as a constitutionality issue.
My guess: 4-10 years.

[theHandpuppet]

5. Oh my....

Well, it depends on where you're going in Kentucky. There are a few, very few GLBT-friendly spots but of course you won't have the rights of a dog. Alison Lundergan Grimes is challenging Mitch "turkey wattle" McConnell for Senate and it actually she look like she has a good shot at grabbing the Senate seat away from the fleshy turd. McConnell's campaign has been using gay-baiting tactics against her, too.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/02/1220764/-Did-Team-Mitch-attempt-to-gay-bait-Alison-Lundergan-Grimes-in-web-video-attacking-her#

Gotta send Mitch packing in order to further gay rights in KY. Consider supporting Grimes for Senate!

[William769]

6. S.E. Kentucky. Middlesboro.

[theHandpuppet]

7. I'm afraid I can't help you there

You'll be just about as far away from gay-friendly country as you can get. I was going to recommend some places you could drive to on the weekends but you're not close to any. Even Lexington is over two hours away.

[William769]

8. Thats where I was born & raised.

Knoxville is only 60 miles away & has some kick ass Gay bars plus is a college town (my alma mater).

[theHandpuppet]

9. Yep, Knoxville would be your best bet.

My father's family is from Pike County, KY. I actually have a brother living in Knoxville now.

[theHandpuppet]

4. Maryland would welcome them!

My partner and I now do our shopping and sightseeing trips in Maryland to help support the local economies. Now, if you could only drive there without going through Virginia....