Boom

NY Prepares for Wedding Surge

When new law takes effect July 24.

New York State is expecting throngs of gay couples to flock to clerks' offices to be legally married when the new law goes into effect on July 24. There are approximately 45,000 gay couples living in New York State, and officials expect thousands to marry immediately. New York City plans to increase the number of state judges who are able to perform marriages, and a new marriage license application must be written and distributed. The new law is also expected to boost the economy: In 2009, it was estimated that the state economy would grow by nearly $210 million during the first three years that same-sex marriage was allowed.