Hawaii is on the verge of becoming the 16th state to pass marriage equality after Governor Neil Abercrombie vowed to sign the bill into law.

The House of Representatives passed the marriage equality bill on Friday, which paved the way for it to clear the state Senate before reaching the Governor's desk.

The president of Freedom to Marry, Evan Wolfson, noted how the gay rights movement for marriage became a big issue in Hawaii when a couple applied for a marriage license in 1993 and it was granted.

"The case in Hawaii launched the global movement for the right to marry," he said.

Gov. Abercrombie opened up about what he thought about the new law in the state.

"In Hawaii, we believe in fairness, justice and human equality, and that everyone is entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else, including the ability to get married."

"I believe my position to support a constitutional right to same-sex marriage in Hawaii and elsewhere was given a substantial boost by today's Supreme Court rulings. I will continue to work to assure justice and equality for all."

Meanwhile in Illinois, governor Pat Quinn said this week that he would be signing marriage equality into law on the afternoon of Nov. 20.

"Marriage equality is coming to Illinois. I look forward to signing this landmark legislation on November 20 and celebrating a big step forward with the people of Illinois," he said.

Illinois passed marriage equality earlier in the week, marking a significant victory for gay rights in the state with one of the top cities in the United States in Chicago.