A vote to legalize same-sex marriage won't likely happen in the next few weeks. State Representative Kelly Cassidy says they don't have enough votes yet to get the measure passed.

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Though same sex marriage is still widely unpopular, supporters say now is the time for everyone to get on board with the idea. Nine states and the District of Columbia already allow same sex marriage. Cassidy, who is one of three openly gay lawmakers in Illinois, says gay and lesbian couples need the same protections as any other couple. Illinois law allows them to engage in civil unions, which is supposed to give them the same rights as married couples in the state. However, their rights are not recognized if they travel to another state or country where gay marriage is not legal.