Twenty years ago today, Massachusetts became the first state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. A new research report by the RAND Corporation, co-authored by Williams Institute Founding Executive Director Brad Sears and Legal Director Christy Mallory, finds that marriage equality has had an unambiguously positive impact on LGBTQ people, their children, and the U.S. population.

Two decades of research has show that marriage equality led to improved physical health of LGBT individuals, increased economic security for same-sex couples, and declines in rates of hate crimes and employment discrimination. New research presented in the report found marriage equality was also related to more overall support for marriage. Following the legalization of marriage for same-sex couples, new marriages increased by 1 to 2 percent for different-sex couples and about 10 percent overall.

On May 13, Brad Sears presented findings from the new RAND report at Out Leadership's US Summit 2024. Brad discussed empirical research conducted over the past 20 years, which has shown that marriage equality has increased economic security for same-sex couples and benefitted businesses and the economy. 

In a dollar-and-cents way, if people can bring their full selves to work, they tend to be happier, more creative, and participate more.

- Brad Sears, Williams Institute Founding Executive Director

The report found that companies in states that had passed marriage equality experienced an increase in their stock prices, and the number of applications filed for patents rose in those states.

The Williams Institute is seeking a Judicial and Legal Education Director & Scholar to lead the Institute’s educational programming for judges, lawyers, law students, and the public. The Director will also be responsible for running three of the Institute’s premier annual programs: the Williams Institute Moot Court Competition, the Dukeminier Awards Journal, and the Institute’s Annual Update Conference. After the second year in the position, the Director will teach a course at UCLA Law focused on sexual orientation, gender identity, and the law.

Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024

The Williams Institute is looking for an experienced scholar who specializes in LGBTQIA+ people and issues to join our team as a Scholar of Public Policy. The Scholar will be responsible for conducting original research, supervising and supporting early career staff, and engaging with a variety of stakeholders. Applicants who use intersectional and community-based approaches in their research are encouraged to apply.

Deadline to apply: July 9, 2024

Join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a celebration of the incredible impact of Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. 

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law is an academic research institute dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.