Newport Chamber of Commerce Says Same-Sex Marriage Would Make Positive Economic Impact

The Board of Directors of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday voted unanimously to issue a statement recognizing the “positive impact seen by the hospitality and wedding industries” in states, including neighboring New England states, with marriage equality.

“Marriage equality could have a substantial positive economic impact on our members, especially in the hospitality and wedding industries,” said Laura F. Pedrick, chair of the Newport County Chamber Board of Directors. “Currently, Rhode Island is at a competitive disadvantage with our New England neighbors who already have marriage equality.”

Rhode Island is the only state in New England that has not signed same-sex marriage into law. On Jan. 24 the RI House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to approve legislation that would allow for same-sex marriage in the state on a 51-19 vote. The bill now awaits action from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Research has shown this demographic is affluent, stays longer and spends more when traveling or having a wedding,” said Newport County Chamber of Commerce President Jody Sullivan. “Additionally, we have wedding industry Chamber Members that lose weddings to bordering states that allow same sex marriage.”

The Chamber’s over 1,100 member companies and organizations make it the second largest chamber in Rhode Island. Chamber Members employ over 50,000 people throughout Newport County and greater Rhode Island.

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Pheonmenal breakdown of the topic, you should write for me too!

Daisy 51 days ago

Chamber of Commerce

In addition the Chamber should promote the sex change industry. That also could have a substantial positive economic impact especially in the medical, legal, and retail clothing industries. Bully for you Chamber of Commerce!

Mikey 88 days ago

Commerce

.....hence the name Chamber of Commerce. The care about the business community. If the isseu had no bearing on business, they would not have issued the statement.

Res 94 days ago

The Chamber of Commerce statement on same-sex marriage

These statements from the County Chamber leaders trouble me. Are profits the only thing that they take into account? If same-sex marriage did not lead to more earnings, would they still be for it?

I myself have come to feel that same-sex marriage ought to be allowed and recognized in Rhode Island and elsewhere. Yet one can appreciate why some people who favor equitable rights for gay couples may, on the basis of cultural/religious heritage, be against same-sex marriage. At least they’re standing for something they believe in.

The Chamber likes to be viewed as a key part of our communities. One hopes that it stands for more than just financial self-interests. It would be interesting to learn how the Chamber’s members themselves feel about this.

David Wm. Brown 94 days ago