Chicago (AP) -- Key Illinois senators say
legislation legalizing same-sex marriage could come up for a floor vote on
Valentine's Day.
State Sen. Heather Steans is the sponsor of a gay-marriage bill and says
the matter is on the executive committee's agenda Tuesday. She's confident it
has the support to pass the Senate next week.
Last week, Senate President John Cullerton said he'd like to approve gay
marriage on Feb. 14. He believes the bill has the 30 votes needed to pass and
move to the House.
Steans says the time is right because public opinion is rapidly changing
about gay marriage. The legislation would grant same-sex couples rights
available to heterosexual couples.
Advocates cite momentum in other states and President Barack Obama's
support.
However, some religious groups oppose the idea.
