The American Psychological Association ( APA ) has reaffirmed its support for same-sex marriage, according to a press release. In so doing, the APA noted that its annual conventionwhich takes place Aug. 12-15 in San Diego, Calif.would provide an opportunity to call attention to the science supporting its stance.
APA's governing council of representatives issued a statement that read, "The Council of Representatives ( 1 ) reaffirms the American Psychological Association's ( APA's ) 2004 Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Marriage, ( 2 ) acknowledges with pride the 11 amicus briefs that APA has filed in legal cases on marriage equality for same-sex couples, including the California Supreme Court in 2006, ( 3 ) directs staff to create and distribute informational materials to publicize APA's history and position on marriage equality for same-sex couples and the science that supports that position, and ( 4 ) requests that the APA boards and committees consider an updated resolution on marriage equality for same-sex couples based on the evolving research."
"As the world's largest organization of psychologists, we felt it was important to make a statement here and now to demonstrate APA's unwavering support of marriage equality," said APA President Carol D. Goodheart, EdD. "With the issue playing out so prominently in California, we are using the opportunity presented by our annual convention to present the growing body of science that is the foundation for our position, and that has influenced many of the legislators, judges and other public officials who are working to achieve this goal."
The American Bar Association released a resolution backing marriage equality Aug. 10, according to a press release. Backing Judge Vaughn Walker's overturning of Proposition 8, the resolution reads, "RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association urges state, territorial, and tribal governments to eliminate all of their legal barriers to civil marriage between two persons of the same sex who are otherwise eligible to marry."
Chad Griffin, board president of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, said, "With this action, the American Bar Association has affirmed the principles upon which this nation was foundedthat every American is vested with certain inalienable rights and that all Americans are created equal."