The Illinois state Senate approved gay marriages Thursday, bringing it closer to becoming the 10th state in the country to permit same-sex couples to marry. The House still needs to pass the bill.
The Illinois Senate voted 34-21-2 in favor of the measure, reported NBC Chicago. Sen. Heather Steans, the sponsor of the bill called the move as "a vote for the history books"
"We have the opportunity today to welcome all families in Illinois as equally valued," she said.
The Associated Press reported that the supporters approved an amendment that clearly states no church or other religious organization will be forced to solemnize same-sex marriages. It bill also said churches cannot be sued if they don't allow their parishes to be used for same-sex marriage ceremonies.
Gov. Pat Quinn said that he will sign the bill once it passes.
"Today, we are one step closer to marriage equality in Illinois," Quinn said in a statement shortly after the Senate vote. "Couples across Illinois have even more reason today to celebrate their love for each other, thanks to the hard work of committed advocates and lawmakers."
GOP leaders in Illinois and nationwide vowed after a defeat at the polls last fall to be more inclusive and diverse, reported the AP.
"We just have to do things differently," Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady said. "We need to deliver to a bigger audience and convince them we're not just a party of angry old white guys - that we do understand every one's problems and we want to help everybody."
