CHICAGO (AP) — A group of clergy members is pushing to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois.

More than 200 pastors and rabbis released an open letter Sunday calling for legislators to approve legislation allowing gay marriage. They say it's a matter of equality, conscience and justice. The group plans to send the letter to lawmakers.

State Rep. Greg Harris and state Sen. Heather Steans say they'll call for a vote on the gay marriage bill when lawmakers gather in January. The legislation would offer same-sex couples marriage rights now only available to heterosexual couples.