Democratic Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy has withdrawn his proposed amendment to the Senate's immigration reform bill that would have recognized binational same-sex married couples and allowed them to apply for green cards.

His decision came after it became clear that he would not have the 60 votes needed for the bill's passage. Key votes from Democrats were lost as Republican Senators made it clear that they would vote down the bill if LGBT provisions were included. 

More after the jump.

BOOM!

Number TWELVE!! Minnesota just passed marriage equality in the state Senate following last week's passge in the state House! 

Details after the jump!

The week of voting has wrapped up at last with the French Senate has giving final approval to marriage equality and adoption legislation. The bill will receive a technical reading in the Parliament before becoming law, but it's done and the deal sealed as of Friday afternoon!

GOProud's former vice chairman Bruce Carroll has decided not to run to unseat South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. 

He gives his reasons after the jump.

With the news that GOProud's Bruce Carroll is resigning to potentially run for Sen. Lindsey Graham's Senate seat, Buzzfeed's Chris Geidner noted that the outspoken Carroll would more than likely have to answer fo some of his more controversial Gay Patriot blog posts and Tweets.

Thankfully Joe.My.God, couldn't help but compile a few of Carroll's gems for our enjoyment. 

Take a look after the jump. 

A Minnesota Senate committee has passed a bill legalizing marriage equality!

More after the jump!

Newark, New Jersey Mayor and LGBT advocate Cory Booker may be headed to the United States Senate now that NJ Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg has announced his retirement. 

Booker announced his interest in the seat last month. 

More after the jump.

By a vote of 34 - 21, marriage equality has been approved in the full Illinois state Senate! It veered into raucous territory often in the Senate chamber, with anti-gay pols getting laughed at by those in attendance on a handful of occasions.

Same-sex marriage rights with religious protections now moves to the Illinois House, where it has also been given a great chance of passing. 

Stay tuned to Instinct as today's big news out of the Midwest develops!

Updated 12:30 p.m. CST

The Illinois state Senate has returned from a short break and is hearing marriage equality at this moment. Head here to celebrate Valentine's Day with the Illinois state Senate and stay tuned to Instinct today for breaking news out of the Midwest!

The Senate has voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and has extended protections for LGBT victims of domestic violence. This follows the rejection of a non-inclusive, Republican sponsored alternative piece of legislation last week. 

More after the jump.

In a vote of 21 to 14, the Colorado Senate has approved civil unions legislation on its final reading. 

SB 11 now heads to the state House, where—as ThinkProgress notes—openly gay Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D), is now the chamber’s Speaker.

Stay tuned to Instinct for the latest updates out of Colorado. 

Success in Colorado!

A bill legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples has passed in the state Senate.

Details after the jump!