A bill to legalize same-sex marriage in England and Wales survived its final hurdle when it was passed by the House of Lords on Tuesday.
If the bill receives royal assent, the first gay marriage ceremonies will happen by the summer of 2014, reports the BBC.
Leaders of the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democratic Parties all supported the legislation. The Queen is expected to give royal assent on Wednesday or Thursday, according to AFP.
The House of Lords made a number of minor changes to the bill which were not opposed by the House of Commons, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The bill has received significant support from some religious organizations, which can opt in to recognize gay unions.
“It's wonderful to see same-sex marriage achieve legal recognition. Quakers see the light of God in everyone so we respect the inherent worth of each individual and each loving relationship,” said Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain.
However, the Church of England and Church in Wales were banned from recognizing same-sex marriages.
The bill’s passage has been called “a defeat for discrimination and a victory for love and marriage” by longtime gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, above.
“It is of huge symbolic importance, signaling that same-sex love has social recognition, acceptance and parity,” he commented.