Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/illinois-house-to-vote-on-gay-marriage Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Illinois House approves same-sex marriage legislation Nation Nov 5, 2013 5:45 PM EDT UPDATED: 5:45 p.m. ET Illinois House approves legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry in the state: http://t.co/Zd4k9UhSax -RAS — The Associated Press (@AP) November 5, 2013 Photo by flickr user Gay Liberation Network The Illinois House of Representatives is debating a bill Tuesday to legalize gay marriage. If approved, Illinois will be the 15th state to do so. The bill will need 60 votes to pass the house. Senate President John Cullerton said Senate members are prepared to approved the bill if it passes the house. Sponsoring State Rep. Greg Harris began the debate by calling for equality for all Illinois citizens. State Rep. Ed Sullivan is one of the few Republican expected to vote in favor of the bill. He said his mother-in-law, who is a lesbian, was an influence in his decision. If approved, the definition of marriage will be altered to a union between two people, instead of between a man and a woman. The vote is expected to be close. H/T Cindy Huang A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
UPDATED: 5:45 p.m. ET Illinois House approves legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry in the state: http://t.co/Zd4k9UhSax -RAS — The Associated Press (@AP) November 5, 2013 Photo by flickr user Gay Liberation Network The Illinois House of Representatives is debating a bill Tuesday to legalize gay marriage. If approved, Illinois will be the 15th state to do so. The bill will need 60 votes to pass the house. Senate President John Cullerton said Senate members are prepared to approved the bill if it passes the house. Sponsoring State Rep. Greg Harris began the debate by calling for equality for all Illinois citizens. State Rep. Ed Sullivan is one of the few Republican expected to vote in favor of the bill. He said his mother-in-law, who is a lesbian, was an influence in his decision. If approved, the definition of marriage will be altered to a union between two people, instead of between a man and a woman. The vote is expected to be close. H/T Cindy Huang A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now