Marriage equality is closer than ever before to becoming a reality in Nevada. In an expected but exhilarating vote, the Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution 13 to repeal the state’s ban of same-sex marriage and replace it with an amendment to legalize it. The final vote of 27-13 capped the end of the first part of the journey toward marriage equality for same-sex couples that began two months ago after a new poll showing majority support of marriage equality inspired state senators to begin the effort.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

The proposed amendment must pass again in identical form in the 2015 legislative session before it can go to the ballot. Gov. Brian Sandoval’s signature is not required.

If the measure passes again in 2015, the resolution will be decided on by voters during the 2016 Election.

The vote was split, with Democrats voting in favor while every single vote in opposition came from Republicans. However, one Republican courageously stood with Democrats. State GOP Rep. Michele Fiore of Las Vegas voted to support the bill because her mother is gay. On the House floor, Fiore told her colleagues:

“When we started this floor session, I introduced my mother to this body, proudly. What is currently in our constitution does not allow her to get married. You see, my mom is gay. I love my mom with all my heart, and I am who I am today because of her guidance, influence and how she raised me.”

Fiore is among a small number of Republicans who are throwing their support to the marriage equality cause because they personally know someone who is gay. The highest profile Republican to do so thus far this year is Ohio Senator Rob Portman, who endorsed marriage equality because his son is gay.

One Republican in opposition, apparently unable to find any real reason for rejecting the resolution, decided to invoke religion and God. The Review-Journal reports that GOP Rep. Cresent Hardy said:

“I believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. That the family is central to the creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of his children. My respect for others and their beliefs do not cause me to abandon my commitment to the truth which I understand.”

The problem is that Hardy’s “truth” comes from a twisted interpretation of a Biblical text written by men more than 2,000 years ago that has several definitions of marriage within it, including a same-sex union. One same-sex marriage in the Bible is the union of Jonathan and David, which was recognized as a sexual partnership by King Saul. Just read 1 Samuel 18:21, 20:30. The fact is, however, it’s the Constitution that rules America and in that legal document, everyone is equal under the law. In other words, if heterosexuals can get married, so can gays and lesbians. By invoking God and the Bible, Republicans disgrace the Constitution.

Same-sex couples have scored a major victory for their rights in the Silver State. It was a gamble, but it has paid off big. Now the fight begins anew to pass the resolution again in 2015. Place your bets. Mine is on equality.