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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued a study finding that the legalization of marriage for same-sex partners could yield $142 million in economic benefits to New York City. The following are comments from advocates in response to the report and its findings:

Alan Van Capelle, Executive Director, Empire State Pride Agenda:

"We thank Comptroller Thompson for issuing this report and providing data showing just how much New York City and New York State will benefit economically when same-sex couples are allowed to marry. Clearly, marriage is not only good for the two people who say ‘I do,’ it is also good for the economy. New York is a major tourist destination so there is no reason for marriage dollars currently going to Canada not to be coming here. And for same-sex couples who live in New York, they want to get married here at home anyway. Why get married in Toronto or Canada’s Niagara Falls if you could get married in New York City or our Niagara Falls?"

Robert J. Voorheis, Co-Executive Director, Marriage Equality New York, Inc.:

"We, at Marriage Equality New York, would like to thank Comptroller Thompson, and his staff for producing this report to show the positive financial impact that marriage for same-sex couples will have on our city. It will provide another reason why our marriages must be honored and respected in New York State and throughout the country."

Susan Sommer, Lambda Legal Senior Counsel who argued the Hernandez v. Robles marriage case:

"This report further confirms what a majority of New Yorkers already support: letting same-sex couples marry in New York is right not only for same-sex couples and their families but also for this City and State. Currently, lesbian and gay New Yorkers who want to marry go to Canada to tie the knot. It's high time New York let these weddings happen here at home."

Gary Parker, Founder, Greater Voices:

"For years there have been countless discussions about the benefits that are offered married couples that same sex couples are denied. Thanks to the Comptroller, we now have clear statistical information that demonstrates that the benefits of marriage go beyond those who are married and in fact, positively impact the entire economy. Marriage equality is a winner for everyone."