Vote repeals law blocking gay marriage

The state House voted to repeal a 1913 law that had been used to block gay marriages involving out-of-state couples, all but assuring that same-sex couples will be allowed to wed regardless of where they live.

The state Senate approved the repeal this month, and Gov. Deval Patrick has said he will sign it. The bill requires one more procedural vote in each chamber before it goes to the governor.

Massachusetts became the first state to allow gay marriage in 2004, but then-Gov. Mitt Romney ordered the enforcement of the dormant 1913 law, which prohibits couples from marrying if the unions would be illegal in their home states.