The New York State Bar Association refined its position on recognizing same-sex couples to support marriage as the only viable way to treat such couples equally.

Now, having seen how couples in other states have been denied equal rights under domestic partnerships and civil unions, the group’s House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly in a voice vote of about 150 delegates to back marriage as the only equitable solution, said association president Michael E. Getnick. The delegates represent members in the state’s 13 judicial districts.

While civil unions or domestic partnerships grant many of the rights of marriage, only marriage equality can fully treat all couples the same.