The debate over gay marriage at the state Capitol is likely over for this year, because Republicans failed to push a vote in either house of the Legislature on Tuesday.

In the House, Republicans needed 51 votes in order to bring a bill calling for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage out of committee. However, the motion failed 54-45.

In the Senate, Sen. Paul McKinley, R-Chariton, called on fellow lawmakers to sign a petition to bring a similar amendment to the floor.

The petition only garnered 19 signatures, falling short of the required 26.

“While our bipartisan effort fell short of gaining the 26 votes needed to proceed, the voters this November will have an opportunity to decide if they are content with the continued Democrat obstruction and inaction,” McKinley said in a statement.

— by Adam B Sullivan