Topeka ? The Kansas Senate today approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit gay marriages.

The measure was approved 27-13, giving it the necessary two-thirds majority to move the proposal to the House for consideration.

The House will probably take up the matter on Monday.

If it is approved by a two-thirds majority there, it will be on the November ballot for voters to decide.

The measure appeared dead three weeks ago after the Senate rejected an effort to put the gay marriage ban in the Kansas Constitution.

But numerous churches and religious groups bombarded senators with letters and e-mails urging them to reconsider.

“I have seen evidence of the sleeping giant being awoken, and I rejoice in that,” state Sen. Bob Lyon, R-Winchester, said.

But opponents said the measure would “embed discrimination” in the constitution.

State Sen. David Adkins, R-Leawood, compared the proposal to laws passed in Nazi Germany that led to the Holacaust.

State Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood, urged his colleagues to not consider the political ramifications of their vote. “It’s not worth serving in this body, if you can’t follow your heart and conscience,” he said as he voted against the proposal.

Lawmakers said the fate of the measure will be close in the House, where 84 votes are needed to put it on the ballot.