SPRINGFIELD – A proposal to make Illinois the 10th state to allow gay marriage will face a "very difficult" reception in the Illinois House, Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan said Wednesday as advocates vowed to continue pushing for the legislation.

The state Senate passed a bill last month – on Valentine's Day – allowing same-sex couples marriage rights. Gov. Pat Quinn has said he would approve gay marriage if it comes to his desk.

But Madigan, a Chicago Democrat who backs the bill, said the legislation is 12 votes short in the chamber. The Chicago Democrat said he's been contacted by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, who opposes the idea of gay marriage.