Same-sex marriage advocates in Illinois may be in for a tough road. The Chicago Tribune reports Wednesday that the gay marriage bill is "12 votes short of passage" in the Illinois House as reported by Speaker Michael Madigan.
After the bill passed the Senate last month, symbolically on Valentine's day, supporters of the bill did expect a greater fight once the bill hit the House. In order for the bill to pass the House and reach Governor Pat Quinn who is expected to sign it if it reaches his desk, it will take 60 votes and so far there may be 48 lawmakers already in favor according to Madigan's comment on Wednesday.
Opposition again came from the Catholic Church as the speaker said he was contacted by Cardinal Francis George who opposes the bill because he says the definition of marriage should be between a man and a woman. Madigan, who is also Catholic, supports the bill.
Back in February, Democratic Senator Martin Sandoval responded to the opposition that resides within the Catholic Church. Sandoval called February's victory an action that will break down barriers directing his comments directly at the Catholic church and other religious leaders who believe same-sex marriage will go against the Bible and the definition of true marriage.
The Illinois House is the last hurdle for the same-sex marriage bill to win and pass.
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