SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois is set to become the 15th state and largest in the heartland to allow same-sex couples to marry.
State senators approved technical changes Tuesday to a measure legalizing gay weddings, shortly after a historic favorable vote in the state House. The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn, who has said he'll sign it into law.
Illinois will start allowing same-sex marriages next summer.
Fourteen states plus Washington D.C., currently allow same-sex marriage.
The vote in Illinois came after months of arduous lobbying by gay-rights advocates, but the bill was never called for a House vote earlier this year because the sponsor said there weren't enough votes. Proponents say momentum had been building.
Opponents have said marriage should remain between a man and woman.
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