Some U.S. senators will be looking to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act this coming year. The law prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said he wants it repealed as it relates to federal benefits.

“I believe that we should have marriage equality in this country - that we should treat people fairly, that we should not discriminate against them in this circumstance,” Durbin said.

Durbin said he’ll support calling for the repeal to come for a vote before the Senate.

Earlier this year Illinois passed a Civil Unions Act, providing couples, including same sex couples, many of the same legal rights as married couples.