Get Gay Married, Lose $41,196

This November, voters in Maine, Washington and Minnesota will vote on whether to ban same-sex marriage. And according to this amazing infographic, if they do ban it, both gay couples and the states themselves will lose big.

A new study by the social causes group Take Part finds that because the federal government doesn't recognize same-sex marriages, same-sex couples lose anywhere from $41,194 to $467,562 worth of financial benefits over their lifetime, compared to straight couples.

Meanwhile, when Massachusetts has seen a boost of $111 million to their economy the five years after they legalized same-sex marriage. Overall, America stands to gain a staggering $16.8 billion extra for the wedding industry if we nationally recognized same-sex marriage.

No matter where you stand on the issue, the financial boosts in this crappy economy are reason enough to consider a vote to let gays wed.

Until then, start saving your pocket change, boys.