Hi.
In case you don't know, a constitutional amendment is up for referendum in my home state of Wisconsin this November.
I'm working on a story for Madison's alternative newsweekly regarding gay marriage bans and their negative impact on business and tourism. I'm trying to show the hypocrisy in conservative business groups supporting "pro-business" (Republican) candidates and legislators who then vote against business interests by supporting the gay marriage ban.
Did that make sense? It will when it gets in the paper.
What I need from you after the flip:
If your state has banned gay marriage, I want to know whether that has had any impact on the state's tourism or economic development. If you've seen a news story, or have personal experience, or even know whom I should talk with, I want to hear from you.
I'm particularly intersted in those states where gay marriage bans were enacted in the November 2004 elections:
Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon and Utah.
Many thanks in advance!
Rob
PS If for some reason you need verification of what I'm working on, please glance at a previous story, Queer Quandary, from Madison Magazine in February 2005.
Thanks!