Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage in Philadelphia = How To Save Philly!

In the episode of The Simpsons "There's Something About Marrying", Springfield faces the reputation of being one of the worst towns in America. At a meeting to decide how to solve this and bring back tourists, Lisa suggests legalizing Same-Sex Marriage. In turn, Moe mentions that doing so, "I can charge so much for them special drinks, like a Martini!" Mayor Quimby quickly quips, "All in favor of legalizing gay money- er, gay marriage, say "aye!" The entire crowd goes "AYE!".

Simply put, same-sex marriage = money!

An activist mayor in San Francisco legalized same-sex marriage in his city because he realized that, yes, same-sex couples should be allowed to be married. It's a simple right if you ask me, and one that Philadelphia, a city with a long history of supporting LBGT rights, should be pushing right now!

It MIGHT be possible to push it here, largely because of a few reasons:

1. Pennsylvania is, technically, not a state, it's a commonwealth. Because of that, cities are allowed to make certain rules that aren't covered by the state, no matter how dumb (age limits to run, anyone?) is they are in the City Charter.
   


2. Since the rest of the state seems hellbent on not giving us any money in the future from gambling revenues since we, as a city, have been so adamant about not wanting one, legalizing same-sex marriage makes up the revenue and then some.

Even if it isn't legally possible, this is one of the very few, very rare times when I am encouraging our leaders to break the law. This is a matter of civil rights more than anything else, and something that would make the most sense.

To those who think it's a bad idea, think about it like this: If we don't do this, we could see more empty house, more empty hotel rooms, shrinking revenue, higher taxes, and a reduction of city services and further urban decay. I'd rather have two women get married than that, thank you!

In the end, same-sex marriage would be a major boom for this city! Couples from all around the area, from New Jersey to Delaware and other states, will come to Philly for the right and chance to legally be wed! This means tourist dollars, this means people permanently moving here... this means more revenue for the City of Philadelphia, and another smart, trailblazing way to help the City of Philadelphia not only help solve it's budget problem, but also be seen as a beacon of freedom.