This is interesting and a half . . . Syphilis Rates Drop in Countries with Gay Marriage Laws:

Data from Europe suggests that national recognition of same-sex partnerships leads to significant reductions in syphilis rates, according to a new study by a Swarthmore College economist. “The evidence shows these laws could dramatically reduce risky sexual behavior and the social costs of some sexually transmitted infections,” says Thomas Dee, an assistant professor of economics. “However, the results may be even more important because of what they suggest are the likely effects of gay marriage on the degree of personal commitment in same-sex relationships.” Dee studied data from Europe, where 12 countries have introduced national recognition of same-sex partnerships between 1989 and 2003. While these “gay marriage laws” reduced syphilis rates by 24 percent, their effects on the prevalence of gonorrhea and HIV were smaller and insignificant. Dee’s study was published this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Of course, the folks who are against gay marriage aren’t going to be swayed by any of this . . . most of ’em are of the misguided opinion that gays deserve AIDS and worse anyway. Silly people.

For the rest of us, it seems like a no brainer.