SPRINGFIELD – A strict party-line vote Tuesday sent proposed gay-marriage legislation to the Democratic-controlled Illinois Senate floor for the second time in a month.

The Executive Committee voted 9-5 in favor of the plan, despite Republicans’ concerns that it will force resistant religious organizations to open their parish halls and fellowship centers – if not their sanctuaries – to gays and lesbians seeking marriage ceremonies.

Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, predicts the body’s 40-Democrat majority will find the 30 votes necessary to make Illinois the 10th state to give marital rights to same-sex couples. He wants a Valentine’s Day floor vote next week.