Yesterday at its annual meeting in San Francisco, the American Bar Association – motto, “Defending Liberty, Pursuing Justice” – voted to back Resolution 111, a measure sponsored by the New York State Bar Association urging all state legislatures to allow same-sex marriage.

Via ABAJournal.com:

“Gays and lesbians should have the right to marry in civil ceremonies, the ABA’s policy-making House of Delegates declared on Tuesday. The measure passed on a voice vote.

A lineup of ABA leaders, both past and present, spoke in favor of the resolution. Incoming ABA President Stephen Zack asked “Why would anyone in this country not want two people who love each other to enjoy the blessings of marriage and the protections of law?”

Former ABA President Tommy Wells told the House that “our citizens of the same sex who are being denied the right to a civil marriage are only seeking to participate in an equal basis in a foundational institution of our civil life. They simply want to share in the legal blessings that we give to married couples. It can only strengthen marriage.”

Pretty exciting news!