Ill. gay marriage advocates call for vote today

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Representatives of various groups pushing for the passage of same-sex marriage are asking House Speaker Michael Madigan to give legislators a chance to vote on the bill.

Supporters of the measure on Thursday said lawmakers promised same-sex couples a vote on the measure and they must now fulfill their promise.

Illinois lawmakers have less than 36 hours to vote on the bill that the Senate passed Valentine's Day.

Some advocates say they will pin the blame on Madigan should the bill not be approved.

Andy Thayer is an organizer of the Gay Liberation Network. He says it's time for Madigan to use his power over his Democratic caucus and to stop playing games with the rights of homosexuals.

Opponents say marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.