Illinois lawmakers vote to allow gay marriage

AP

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.