A new study finds that dire predictions were unfounded

  • Same-sex marriage has had largely positive effects in the US
  • Polls show that nearly three-quarters of Americans support same-sex marriage
  • A new study by the Rand organization found no negative effects on straight couples’ rates of marriage, divorce, or cohabitation as states legalized same-sex marriage
  • Same-sex couples experienced improved outcomes in health and financial security
  • Opponents’ predictions of dire consequences have not come to pass
  • Marriage rates increased for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples as a result of legalization
  • Questions remain about the long-term effects on marriage and children
  • The fight for same-sex marriage has led to a gradual transformation in public opinion
  • More than one million same-sex couples have been married in the US
  • Progress was slow and difficult, but attitudes have shifted dramatically

Twenty years ago, the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts sparked a furious political controversy. Opponents warned of dire consequences, but a new study by the Rand organization shows that these predictions were unfounded. The study found that same-sex marriage has had largely positive effects in the US, with no negative impact on straight couples’ rates of marriage, divorce, or cohabitation. Same-sex couples experienced improved outcomes in health and financial security. The widespread public support for same-sex marriage suggests that most people do not believe the once-feared consequences have come to pass. The fight for same-sex marriage has led to a gradual transformation in public opinion, and more than one million same-sex couples have been married in the US. However, questions remain about the long-term effects on marriage and children.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides a comprehensive overview of the history and impact of same-sex marriage in the United States over the past two decades. It includes quotes from individuals involved, data from research reports, and examples of personal experiences to support its claims. The information presented is well-researched, factual, and objective, without significant bias or misleading information.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed account of the history and impact of same-sex marriage in the US over the past two decades. It includes personal stories, political context, and research findings to support its claims. The article stays on topic and supports its arguments with evidence and examples. However, some parts of the article could be seen as repetitive or overly detailed, which contributes to the noise level.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification:
Public Companies: Delta Dental (N/A), Freedom to Marry (N/A), National Association of Manufacturers (N/A)
Key People: David Wilson (N/A), Rob Compton (N/A), Mitt Romney (Senator), Benjamin R. Karney (Rand researcher and UCLA psychology professor), Evan Wolfson (Founder of Freedom to Marry), Jen BarbouRoske (N/A), Dawn BarbouRoske (N/A), Melanie A. Zaber (Rand economist), Eric Alva (N/A), Danny Ingram (N/A), Brad Wilcox (Sociologist and director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia), Ralph Reed (Chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition), James Dozier (Chairman of Centerline Liberties), Jay Timmons (President and chief executive of the National Association of Manufacturers)

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com