SPRINGFIELD, Ill (Reuters) - The Illinois state Senate voted on Thursday to legalize gay marriage in President Barack Obama's home state.

If approved by the state House and signed by Democratic Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois would become the 10th state to legalize same sex nuptials and the first Midwest state to do so through legislation.

The vote of 34 to 21 was the latest victory for gay rights advocates after three states approved same sex marriage by referendum in November - Maryland, Maine and Washington state.

(Reporting By Joanne von Alroth in Springfield and Greg McCune in Chicago)