The Illinois Senate this afternoon passed a highly-debated same-sex marriage bill, by a vote of 34-21. The bill was expected to pass. The next step is for the Illinois House to agree to take up the bill, which local LGBT civil rights activists expect will happen next month.

READ: Gay Marriage: With A Valentine’s Day Vote, Illinois Moving Rapidly To Equality

Activists are cautiously optimistic for passage in the House, but it’s far from certain. If the House does pass the bill, which is loaded with religious protections, Illinois Democratic Governor Pat Quinn has promised to sign it into law.

Image by Meghan Stabler via Twitter

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