Echoing previous statements, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn told a group of reporters Dec. 10 that he wants to see marriage equality in the state, according to multiple reports.
The Chicago Tribune reported that Quinn told reporters at the Chicago office of Bloomberg news, "I hope the bill goes forward."
Quinn, who signed Illinois civil unions into effect, has previously stated his support for marriage equality.
His latest comments come at a time when many LGBT advocates nationally are eyeing Illinois as the next possible state to win marriage equality.
State Rep. Greg Harris has put forth a marriage equality bill in the General Assembly. Two lawsuits filed earlier this year also seek to win same-sex marriage in the Cook County Circuit Court.
Rick Garcia, veteran activist and director of The Civil Rights Agenda's "Equal Marriage Illinois" project praised Quinn's statements but urged patience.
"Although this is a priority, work still needs to be done to get the votes within the General Assembly," Garcia said in a statement. "With that said, we have really seen a very strong shift in favorability throughout the state in both polling and in our work within communities."
Harris has stated that he will not move the bill until he is confident that it can pass, as a premature vote on the measure could lock lawmakers into "no" vote down the road.