The momentum for marriage equality continues in the Land of Lincoln. The Illinois State House of Representatives passed a historic bill that would recognize the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples by a 61- 54 vote.

The legislation will return to the State Senate for a confirmation vote, where it was previously approved with bipartisan support. Governor Pat Quinn, a champion of the marriage equality, plans to sign the bill into law. Couples will be able to get married starting June 1, 2014

Illinois is fifteenth state in the nation to recognize marriage equality, the second in two months.

Update, 3:05 p.m.: The Illinois State Senate just voted 32-21, with 6 non-votes, to approve the legislation. The bill now heads to the Governor.