Illinois Lawmakers Vote to Allow Same-Sex Marriage

The effort to bring same-sex marriage to Illinois needs just one signature to become law, that of Governor Pat Quinn. 

For more than two hours Tuesday, the House debated and changed parts of the bill before approving it 61-54, barely over the 60 votes needed to pass. Gov. Quinn was in attendance for Tuesday's vote, and is expected to sign the measure into law.

Bill sponsor Rep. Greg Harris said, "At the end of the day, all we're talking about is treating every family in the state of Illinois with the same equality and justice under the law as others."

Illinois becomes the 15th state allowing gay-marriage, after approving civil unions in 2011.

Opposition to the bill included Rep. Thomas Morrison, urging lawmakers during Tuesday's debate to "protect the institution of marriage." Rep. Jeanne Ives said it was "the worst bill in the country.