A recent study found that recognizing same-sex couples with domestic partner benefits or legalizing same-sex marriage would benefit the US economy. The study, conducted by the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that homosexual employees who receive domestic-partnership benefits were more relaxed in their work environment and were thereby more productive than those without the benefits. The study’s co-author, M. V. Lee Badgett, stated, “Our study shows that equal treatment of couples in the business world attracts heterosexual employees and creates more productive workplaces for gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees,” according to The Advocate.
In addition, support for same-sex couples by employers results in healthier and more stable families and less demand on public programs. According to the report, “small costs to the employer are balanced out by benefits to employers from positive effects on employees’ productivity, health, and stabilityÉ In addition, state and federal budgets will see a net gain.”
