Stage set for Pa. Senate vote on gay marriage, civil unions

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 Pennsylvania.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the measure in an 18-8 vote Monday, and officials say a vote in the full Senate is likely on Wednesday.

Proponents say it will protect marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and stop a judge from opening the door to civil unions between gays and lesbians.

They also say it will not take away any rights, such as health-care benefits, that gays enjoy now.

Opponents say it will enshrine discrimination in the state Constitution and relegate gays to second-class citizens while threatening some of the rights they have now, such as adopting children.

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Stage set for Pa. Senate vote on gay marriage, civil unions