President Barack Obama on Tuesday
reiterated that he supports an effort to make Illinois the 13th
state to legalize gay marriage.
“Were the president still in the
Illinois State Legislature, he would support this measure that would
treat all Illinois couples equally,” spokesman Shin Inouye said in
a statement given to POLITICO.
“While the president does not weigh
in on every measure being considered by state legislatures, he
believes in treating everyone fairly and equally, with dignity and
respect,” he added. “As he has said, his personal view is that
it's wrong to prevent couples who are in loving, committed
relationships, and want to marry, from doing so.”
Obama
first came out in support of the measure in December.
Former
President Bill Clinton has also endorsed the effort.
(Related: Gay
marriage supporters in Illinois say they have the votes.)