Members of Britain’s Parliament ruled in favor of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill on Tuesday, and in case the name of this particular piece of legislation doesn’t make it clear, the vote of 400 ayes to 175 noes brings gay marriage ever closer to a state-sanctioned reality in the U.K.

The decision permits same-sex marriages in England and Wales, and though many Conservative MPs opposed the bill, that party’s leader, Prime Minister David Cameron, is backing the measure and the impulse toward equality that is propelling it through his government.

“This is, yes, about equality,” Cameron commented before the day’s big vote. “But it is also about making our society stronger. I know there are strong views on both side of the argument — I accept that. But I think this is an important step forward for our country.”

So, with France and now Britain making strong motions toward marriage equality, could the U.S. be far behind? Unfortunately, yes.

BBC:

Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said: “I genuinely believe that we will look back on today as a landmark for equality in Britain.
“Tonight’s vote shows Parliament is very strongly in favour of equal marriage.

“No matter who you are and who you love, we are all equal. Marriage is about love and commitment, and it should no longer be denied to people just because they are gay.

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–Posted by Kasia Anderson.