The Economic Impact of Discriminatory Policies: Insights from Same-Sex Marriage Bans
This study examines the unintended economic costs, with significant fiscal implications, associated with discriminatory policies, focusing specifically on same-sex marriage bans in the United States. Drawing on a body of empirical studies, we show that these bans increase public financing costs, reduce tax revenue, and lead to unfavorable migration patterns. These findings underscore the interconnectedness of social equity and economic efficiency, emphasizing that discriminatory legislation not only marginalizes vulnerable populations but also undermines broader economic stability. We propose that understanding these interrelations is critical for designing policies that support inclusive growth and fiscal sustainability.
Authors
- Steve Liu
- Ying Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9066-2638)
- Lei Gao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4707-0933)
Institutions
- George Mason University (US)
- University of Rhode Island (US)
- University at Albany, State University of New York (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- AEA Papers and Proceedings
- Published
- 2025-05-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1257/pandp.20251052
- Primary Topic
- Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00