NYS Bar Association changes to recognize gay marriages

NEW YORK (CBS) ―

AP

The New York State Bar Association now backs gay marriage.

Delegates for the association adopted a resolution Saturday asking state legislators to give full marriage rights to same-sex couples.

The Association said New York's Domestic Relations law should also be changed to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Bar Association president Michael Getnick says the reform is needed to ensure equal legal rights for gays and lesbians.

The Bar's previous position on gay marriage was that the state could take other actions to guarantee those rights, like recognizing domestic partnerships or civil unions.

The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary bar association in America.