Midwest Competition for Gay Wedding Tourism?
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — During four years as the only Midwestern state to offer same-sex marriage, Iowa has seen thousands of couples travel to the heartland for wedding celebrations that pumped millions of dollars into the state economy.
But Iowa will get some competition in the cake and champagne industry when a Minnesota law legalizing gay marriage goes into effect on Aug. 1. Some Minnesota officials are already rolling out the red carpet for gay couples in other states to visit and get hitched.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says there could be some "friendly competition" for wedding business between states. Still, Iowa gay rights advocates say there is plenty of support in the state for gay couples and that travel to Iowa will continue.
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