WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

The Republican-controlled Indiana House could vote as early as Monday on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.      Opponents say the amendment isn't needed because Indiana law already bans gay marriage, but supporters worry that courts could overturn that law.&nb

Republican lawmakers in Indiana are determined not to fail this time around in pushing for a state constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage and civil unions. On Monday, a Republican-controlled House committee approved the amendment requirement by a 8-4 vote along party lines.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn today is expected to sign a bill that legalizes civil unions. About 1,000 people are expected to be on hand for the ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center.Illinois legislators approved civil unions late last year.

Gay marriage continues to make headlines across the country as lawmakers from various states debate the issue. Earlier today Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee promised to sign a gay marriage bill into law should the state legislature send it to his desk.

Illinois State Representative Deb Mell says she plans to marry fiancée Christin Baker in Iowa, despite the likely passage of a civil unions bill next year. “We’re thrilled and grateful, obviously,” Mell said about the law. “But we really want that marriage license.”

As lawmakers at the federal level prepare to review policy around gays in the military, Illinois legislators made a move on another gay rights front.

The Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives thinks the General Assembly could allow civil unions for gay couples.Democrat Michael Madigan gave his predictions about what might happen during the remainder of the fall veto session. "I just say that based on my conversations with man