Three mayors in the Akron-Canton area are among 10 statewide and dozens nationwide who have pledged their support for same-sex marriage.

Don Plusquellic of Akron, William Healy II of Canton and Sara Drew of Stow signed a resolution spearheaded by the national Freedom to Marry group and circulated at a recent U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting.

"As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand together in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry," the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry resolution states. "We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are in committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our communities and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life."

The effort to get the backing of mayors is going on at the same time that a campaign is being kicked off to overturn a same-sex marriage ban approved by Ohio voters in 2004. Freedom to Marry Ohio submitted petitions with about 1,700 signatures Thursday to the Ohio Attorney General's Office, which is the first step to getting an issue on the ballot either this year or next.

Other upcoming gay-rights activities include a mass marriage and gay-rights rally in Cleveland on March 24 and the Gay Games in Cleveland and Akron in 2014.

"There's a lot going on nationally and a lot in the state to help us to educate people about the marriage issue and the broader issues of discrimination, safe schools and the quality of life of all people," said Ed Mullen, executive director of Equality Ohio, a Columbus-based group that advocates for the rights of gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

Mullen said the support of the mayors "shows there are significant portions supportive of marriage equality. Cities are welcoming of same-sex couples in their borders."

Plusquellic said he sees gay marriage as an equality issue.

"They are like the last vestige - the last remaining group - that we haven't, as a society, said, 'Okay,' " he said.

Plusquellic thinks same-sex marriage could be called something else but still carry the same rights and responsibilities of a traditional marriage.

"We are treating them differently and they have not done anything wrong," he said. "We need to view this as a civil rights issue."

Drew, who is serving her first term as Stow mayor, said the reason for her support is very simple.

"There are families in Stow who are not afforded the same opportunities to marry," she said. "I believe it is my responsibility to advocate for every family."

Drew said she has taken other steps to help families, such as starting a commission two weeks ago to advocate for people with disabilities.

Asked if she was concerned that some voters might not agree with her stance on a controversial issue, Drew said "every decision you make as mayor is always subject to people disagreeing with it."

"I would hope people understand I'm advocating for more inclusion in our community," she said. "I think that's a good thing."

Healy, who is one of the most recent resolution signers, couldn't be reached for comment Friday.

The other Ohio mayors who have signed the pledge are: David Berger, Lima; Michael Coleman, Columbus; Frank Jackson, Cleveland; Edward Kelley, Cleveland Heights; Mark Mallory, Cincinnati; Gary Norton, East Cleveland, and Mark Summers, Lakewood.

Freedom to Marry is recruiting other mayors. Additional information about the effort is available on the group's website, www.freedomtomarry.org.