WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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.
Illinois' Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said he wants it repealed as it relates to federal benefits.
He said, "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 says he will 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.
Courtesy of Illinois Public Radio.