Providence, RI -
Rhode Island became the tenth state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage after the state legislature approved the measure on Thursday by a final vote of 56-15.
The Senate had already approved the legislation and Gov. Lincoln Chafee is expected to sign the bill into law at 5:45 p.m. ET.
The law will go into effect Aug. 1, 2013.
Read more on CNN
Will Illinois become the eleventh?
The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which if passed, would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois, awaits a full vote in the Illinois House.
"Today's victory in Rhode Island is affirmation of our national momentum for the full freedom to marry," Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told ChicagoPride.com. "I feel strongly about our progress in Illinois."
SB10 passed the House Executive Committee in a narrow 6-5 vote Feb. 26, and the full state Senate Feb. 14. Should the legislation pass the House, Gov. Pat Quinn has said that he will sign it into law.
By Thursday afternoon it appeared the vote would not occur this week, which puts the bill's sponsors under increased pressure to get one to take place before May 31, when the House adjourns. In that case, a vote is not likely until the fall session.
"I can't imagine that lawmakers would adjourn without doing what is wanted by a clear majority of Illinoisans - that is to pass the marriage bill," said Cherkasov.
Read more on ChicagoPride.com
The Senate had already approved the legislation and Gov. Lincoln Chafee is expected to sign the bill into law at 5:45 p.m. ET.
The law will go into effect Aug. 1, 2013.
Read more on CNN
Will Illinois become the eleventh?
The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which if passed, would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois, awaits a full vote in the Illinois House.
"Today's victory in Rhode Island is affirmation of our national momentum for the full freedom to marry," Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told ChicagoPride.com. "I feel strongly about our progress in Illinois."
SB10 passed the House Executive Committee in a narrow 6-5 vote Feb. 26, and the full state Senate Feb. 14. Should the legislation pass the House, Gov. Pat Quinn has said that he will sign it into law.
By Thursday afternoon it appeared the vote would not occur this week, which puts the bill's sponsors under increased pressure to get one to take place before May 31, when the House adjourns. In that case, a vote is not likely until the fall session.
"I can't imagine that lawmakers would adjourn without doing what is wanted by a clear majority of Illinoisans - that is to pass the marriage bill," said Cherkasov.
Read more on ChicagoPride.com
