Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage is Good Business

That's the opinion of Baltimore Sun business columnist Jay Hancock:

Societies that are tolerant, free and diverse tend to be richer and happier than societies that aren't. Maryland has shown this for decades.

Now is the time to extend the legacy by legalizing same-sex marriage. The move would beam welcome signals not just to gays and lesbians but to all members of the young "creative class" who represent the economic and social future. Not coincidentally, it's the right thing to do.

More and more research shows how inextricably linked tolerance and prosperity really are. No religion, race or sexual orientation has a monopoly on talent. States wanting to stay ahead must show that their doors are open to everybody.

Statistically, a large gay population is one of the best predictors of a strong economy, economic theorist Richard Florida noted in The Rise of the Creative Class.

"To some extent, homosexuality represents the last frontier of diversity in our society, and thus a place that welcomes the gay community welcomes all kinds of people," he wrote. "Openness to the gay community is a good indicator of the low entry barriers to human capital that are so important to spurring creativity and generating high-tech growth."

But as part of a larger policy of openness and benevolence, legalizing gay marriage makes sense for Maryland. We already boast the culture, tolerance, diversity and educational resources the creative class seeks. Allowing unions for two people who love each other - no matter what their gender - will cement the franchise.

And don't be surprised if they bring economic dividends.

What a wonderful common-sense approach! Click here to read more from this column.