The New York State Bar Association, a lead sponsor of a resolution urging state, territorial and tribal governments to eliminate legal barriers to civil marriage between two persons of the same sex, hailed the resolution's adoption by the American Bar Association (ABA) at its annual meeting held recently in San Francisco.

According to a report submitted in support of the resolution, the extension of equal marriage rights to same-sex couples is consistent with constitutional principles of equal protection and due process, as well as the states' strong interest in protecting and fostering the family unit.

"The historic action taken today represents another promising step on the path toward equal rights for same-sex couples," said NYSBA President Stephen Younger. "NYSBA has been a leader in advocating that same-sex couples be allowed to marry, and it will continue the fight until this goal is achieved both in New York and across the country."

The New York State Bar Association supports equal rights for same-sex couples and made it a top state legislative priority in the 2010 legislative session. In 2009, the NYSBA's House of Delegates adopted a resolution calling for an amendment to New York's Domestic Relations Law that would give same-sex couples the right to marry and require New York to recognize civil marriages contracted elsewhere. The state Assembly has voted in support of same-sex marriage and Gov. Paterson supports the change.