Illinois House black caucus member announces gay marriage support

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Another undecided lawmaker is announcing his support of gay marriage.

LaShawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat, said Tuesday a "majority of constituents" in his district support of the legislation, which would make Illinois the 13th state to allow same-sex marriage.

The Chicago Democrat says he received thousands of calls and emails urging his support. He described his decision as "a process."

Ford joins Chicago Rep. Ken Dunkin as the second House Black Caucus member to publicly back the measure.

Caucus members are being lobbied extensively by both sides. Their support is seen as key to the bill's passage.

The Senate passed gay marriage in February. The House is expected to vote before Friday.

Gov. Pat Quinn supports the measure and has called it one of his top legislative priorities.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.