Pa. Senate set to vote on same-sex marriage amendment

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The stage is set for the full Pennsylvania Senate to vote on a constitutional amendment that would outlaw same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state, although chances appear slim it will gain traction in the House.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the measure in an 18-8 vote Monday after a 30-minute debate.

Officials say a vote in the full Senate is possible as early as today’s floor session. Approval by the Republican-controlled Senate would be the first step in a multiyear process that is required before a proposed constitutional amendment can be brought to voters in a statewide referendum.

The Senate action, however, may be largely symbolic. No similar bill has been introduced in the House, and Republican proponents of the measure say there is little chance of getting it through the Democratic-controlled chamber.