

Repeal GA's Marriage Ban in 2014
The Issue
1. Economic boost: 14 states by October of 2013 have removed their discriminatory barriers to marriage for LGBT couples and have economically benefited. ME: +$7.9 million per year. NY: +$259 million one year after legalization in New York City alone. MN: est. +$42 million over three years. DE: +$7 million. WA: +$88 million. GA’s current status on marriage equality causes it to suffer financially in this increasingly competitive environment for equality in relation to choices for relocation of businesses and transplants.
2. Simplicity and Respect: It would settle a vast array of confusion. After the SCOTUS decision in June of 2013, married couples living in Georgia but officiated elsewhere must live in a state of confusion and invalidation with respect to their marital status and the 1138 federal benefits and hundreds at the state level which are conferred upon it.
3. The cost of discrimination: While GA cannot currently enjoy the positive economic impact of marriage equality because of its policies, it suffers a $700 million deficit.
4. The damage to LGBT Couples in dollars and cents: New York Times reporters Tara Siegel Bernard and Ron Lieber reported that when states hold LGBT couples as single, the couple's average lifetime expense was an increase of $467,562 (nearly a half million) as opposed to heterosexual married couples due to taxes, insurance and legal maneuvers in order to attain rights, benefits and protections as close to parity as possible. Even then, disparities existed which can not be remedied outside of equal marriage.

Branden MattoxPetition Starter
Confirmed victory
The Issue
1. Economic boost: 14 states by October of 2013 have removed their discriminatory barriers to marriage for LGBT couples and have economically benefited. ME: +$7.9 million per year. NY: +$259 million one year after legalization in New York City alone. MN: est. +$42 million over three years. DE: +$7 million. WA: +$88 million. GA’s current status on marriage equality causes it to suffer financially in this increasingly competitive environment for equality in relation to choices for relocation of businesses and transplants.
2. Simplicity and Respect: It would settle a vast array of confusion. After the SCOTUS decision in June of 2013, married couples living in Georgia but officiated elsewhere must live in a state of confusion and invalidation with respect to their marital status and the 1138 federal benefits and hundreds at the state level which are conferred upon it.
3. The cost of discrimination: While GA cannot currently enjoy the positive economic impact of marriage equality because of its policies, it suffers a $700 million deficit.
4. The damage to LGBT Couples in dollars and cents: New York Times reporters Tara Siegel Bernard and Ron Lieber reported that when states hold LGBT couples as single, the couple's average lifetime expense was an increase of $467,562 (nearly a half million) as opposed to heterosexual married couples due to taxes, insurance and legal maneuvers in order to attain rights, benefits and protections as close to parity as possible. Even then, disparities existed which can not be remedied outside of equal marriage.

Branden MattoxPetition Starter
The Decision Makers
Dubose Porter
Rep. Dr. Karla Drenner
Rep. Simone Bell
Rep. Keisha Waites
Rep. Stacey Abrams
Petition Updates
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Petition created on October 1, 2013