SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- House Speaker Michael Madigan says passing a gay marriage bill out of the Illinois House will be "very difficult."

Madigan told reporters Wednesday that he backs the measure allowing same-sex couples to marry. The Senate approved it last month and it awaits a House floor vote. Lawmakers aren't sure when they'll call it.

Madigan says the House is 12 votes short.

The Chicago Democrat says he's been contacted by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, who opposes the idea of gay marriage.

Advocates for giving same-sex couples the same marital rights as heterosexuals acknowledge there's more resistance in the House than Senate. But they're confident of House approval soon.

Gov. Pat Quinn says he'll sign the bill if it comes to his desk.

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The bill is SB10.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov