(MCT) — SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — If anyone thought gay marriage legislation would pass easily in Illinois, the initial hiccup Wednesday in the state Senate illustrated how hard fought the issue is likely to be every step of the way.

A bill to allow same-sex marriage didn’t attract enough support to get a first hearing as Senate Republicans blocked an effort to allow the measure to be considered by a committee. Sponsoring Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, fell two votes short of overcoming what may end up as no more than a minor procedural setback. She vowed to have enough support Thursday to push the gay marriage bill forward through the full Senate.