Topeka ? The Kansas Senate was scheduled to start debate today on a proposed constitutional prohibition of same-sex marriage.

The Senate was set to convene at 2:30 p.m.

State law already bans same-sex marriage, but conservatives are pushing for a constitutional ban, saying it is needed to protect marriage.

Passage of proposed constitutional amendements require two-thirds approval in the House and Senate before they can be placed before voters for a statewide election.

If the measure gets the required votes in the Legislature, there also is debate on whether to place it on the April 5 ballot or wait until the November 2006 general election.