Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has said he
believes President Barack Obama's recent endorsement of gay marriage
will help efforts in Illinois to legalize such unions.
Before marching in the 43rd
annual Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, Quinn told gay website
ChicagoPride.com
that he was optimistic that marriage equality would come to Illinois.
“We're moving forward. The key is to
get a majority in both houses of the Legislature to get a bill on my
desk I can sign. I think we're closer every day,” Quinn said.
(Related: Illinois
Gov. Pat Quinn endorses gay marriage.)
Last year, Quinn signed the law which
recognizes gay and lesbian couples with civil unions. A gay marriage
bill was introduced earlier this year but no action was taken during
the legislative session.
“The record of the civil unions bill
that we signed last year is that hundreds have been performed all
over the state. That sets a good foundation.”
“The president's support is going to
be helpful, especially in Illinois,” Quinn added.
Gay marriage advocates are also
pursuing the issue in the courts. A lawsuit challenging the state's
ban on such unions has received praise
from elected officials, including those charged with defending
the state's laws, prompting criticism from social conservatives who
vowed to intervene in the case.