Marriage equality has had a positive impact on marriage overall
May 20, 2024A recent study has discovered that marriage equality has not only avoided any negative impact on heterosexual couples but has also led to an overall increase in marriages, irrespective of sexual orientation.
Conducted by RAND and UCLA, the report analysed 20 years’ worth of marriage data—from the time states began legalising same-sex marriage—and reviewed nearly 100 other studies. The findings indicate that marriage equality has offered significant benefits to LGBTQ+ couples without adversely affecting different-sex marriages.
In a press release, study coauthor Benjamin R. Karney explained that many opponents of marriage equality feared it “would undermine the institution of marriage, resulting in fewer couples marrying, more couples divorcing, and an overall retreat from family formation,” but noted that “overall, the fears of opponents of same-sex marriage simply have not come to pass.”
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In fact, states that legalised same-sex marriage experienced increases in marriage rates that exceeded the number of same-sex marriages alone, according to ‘LGBTQ Nation’.
“We find no evidence for a retreat from marriage,” said RAND economist and study co-author Melanie A. Zaber. “In fact, there is evidence suggesting that by extending marriage rights to a greater number of couples, interest in marriage increased. And that finding isn’t limited to same-sex couples — this is also true for the broader population.”
The study also found that, like heterosexual couples, married LGBTQ+ couples enjoy better mental and physical health compared to those without legally protected or different forms of status. Additionally, STD rates “fell significantly” in states where same-sex marriage was legal.
Children of LGBTQ+ couples who were able to marry also reaped benefits, with adoption rates rising in states with marriage equality. Married LGBTQ+ couples have additionally experienced increased homeownership, higher household income, and better relationship stability.
“The only changes we detect are suggestive of a renewed salience of marriage among the broader public,” Zaber said. “There is no empirical basis for concerns that allowing same-sex couples to marry has negatively affected different-sex couples and families.”
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Wisconsin, U.S.A., Lawmakers Look To Enshrine Marriage Equality In State Constitution
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Senators Reach Deal On Changes To Marriage Equality Bill
US Anti-LGBTQ+ Activists Say Marriage Equality Bill Will Lead To Child Marriage
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