The Rhode Island Bar Association (RIBA)
has endorsed a bill which seeks to legalize gay marriage in Rhode
Island.
The association's House of Delegates
and Executive Committee backed the bill just days after the Rhode
Island House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the measure.
“We greatly appreciate the
endorsement of the Rhode Island Bar Association,” Ray Sullivan,
campaign director for Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, said
in a statement. “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.”
A spokesman for RIBA President Michael
McElroy said that about 80 association members attended the House
vote.
Founded in 1896, RIBA represents more
than 6,300 lawyers in the state.