Obama Praises Illinois General Assembly After Gay Marriage Vote

"Tonight, I applaud the men and women of the Illinois General Assembly, a body in which I was proud to serve..."

President Obama expressed deep pride in the Illinois General Assembly after it became the 15 state on Tuesday to legalize same-sex marriage.

Obama, who served in the state's General Assembly, came out in favor of same sex marriage ahead of his reelection last year after years of stating that his views were "evolving" on the issue.

The president's support of civil union dates back to 2004.