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New York City says ‘I do’ to $275-million boost from gay marriage

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The Big Apple raked in $275 million in economic benefits plus city revenues directly linked to New York state’s decision to embrace gay marriage.

“Marriage equality has made our city more open, inclusive and free -- and it has also helped to create jobs and support our economy,” New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a news conference this week.

New York legalized gay marriage in July 2011. Since then, more than 8,200 same-sex marriage licenses have been issued in New York City, about 10% of all marriage licenses issued in the city during that time, officials said.

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In turn, it is estimated that more than 200,000 guests have traveled to New York City to attend same-sex wedding receptions, and more than 235,000 hotel room nights were booked at an average daily room rate of $275, according to an economic impact survey conducted by NYC & Co. and the City Clerk’s Office.

Such spending amounted to about $259 million in economic benefits for the city, and an additional $16 million in city revenues, according to Bloomberg’s office.

The impact is likely to boost an “NYC I Do” marketing campaign aimed at making New York City the world’s No. 1 spot for gay weddings and honeymoons. But it’s unlikely to change the minds of the many people in America who oppose gay marriage.

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Joining Bloomberg at the news conference was New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who said New York City’s role in gay marriages goes beyond the financial.

“Here we have a moment to celebrate a year of unadulterated joy,” Quinn, who recently married her same-sex partner in a ceremony attended by the mayor and other elected officials, was quoted as saying. “What better thing could the government do than pass laws that make people equal?”

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Join Rene Lynch on Google+ and Twitter. Email: rene.lynch@latimes.com

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