Illinois House Passes Same-Sex Marriage

It is a historic and emotional day for same sex couples who will be able to legally marry in Illinois.

The Illinois House passed the Marriage Equality Act by a vote of 61-54-2, which allows for same-sex marriage.

Lawmakers in the House debated gay marriage during a legislative session Tuesday, giving impassioned speeches for and against legalizing gay marriage.

The Illinois Senate, which has passed a version of the bill earlier this year, voted and approved the House’s version Tuesday evening, clearing the way for Gov. Pat Quinn to sign the bill.

The law will go into effect June 1, 2014.

Gov. Pat Quinn said on Twitter that "Illinois is a place that embraces all people and today, we are an example for the nation." 

Illinois is the 15th state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage.

We want to hear what you think about the possibility of same-sex marriage, becoming legalized in Illinois, share your thoughts here.