The Illinois AFL-CIO executive board adopted a resolution Thursday that endorses gay marriage and urges state lawmakers to pass a bill that would legalize same-sex matrimony in the Land of Lincoln. 

According to the resolution, "the Illinois AFL-CIO joins with leaders from the faith community, civil rights organizations, President Obama, our own unions and a growing majority of Americans in supporting marriage equality legislation that effectively protects religious freedom."

The Illinois AFL-CIO is calling on members of the Illinois House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 10, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. During the spring legislative session, the measure that would legalize gay marriage in Illinois passed the Senate, but the bill's House sponsor, State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), did not call it for a vote. Harris said the bill had not garnered enough votes for its approval. Gov. Pat Quinn has said he would sign the bill.

"As an organization, we speak out for fairness and justice where it is most needed. Gay and lesbian couples in Illinois shouldn't have to wait another moment to be afforded the tools they need to protect their families," Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan said in a statement. "It is time we pass the freedom to marry for all."