PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A vote of support by the Rhode Island Bar Association is being hailed by advocates of same-gender marriage as a further sign of growing support.
A week ago, the association's House of Delegates backed legislation to allow same-gender couples to marry in Rhode Island that is pending in the state Senate, after clearing the House of Representatives.
About 80 of the 6,300 lawyers in the association were present for the voice vote, according to Frederick Massie, speaking for association's president Michael McElroy.
"Access to the unique protection and recognition of marriage to all Rhode Island families is of paramount importance to the fair administration of justice. The Bar Association understands this, and we are proud to have them stand in support of our grassroots campaign to bring marriage equality to the Ocean State,'' said Ray Sullivan, Rhode Islanders United for Marriage campaign director, on Monday.