(MCT) — Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday said he hopes state lawmakers send him a gay marriage bill when they meet again in January, but even the measure's sponsor is unsure the issue will rise to the top of a busy agenda.

"I hope that bill goes forward," Quinn said when asked about the possibility of a same-sex marriage measure being passed before new lawmakers are sworn in Jan. 9. "It's the House that probably is the key arena at this time, and I think we'll see how the members look at that issue. They should study it carefully and vote their conscience."