Topeka ? The Kansas Senate today approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit same-sex marriage.

The 28-11 vote advances the measure to the House.

Reader poll: Should the Legislature put the ban on the ballot? See Associated Press story

Supporters of the amendment hope to quickly get the required two-thirds vote in the House in order to have the proposal before voters on the April 5 ballot.

“Marriage needs protection right now,” said a Rev. Joe Wright of Wichta, after the Senate action.

“This was a victory for the voters of Kansas,” he said.

Opponents had a different view.

“This is a sad day in the Kansas Senate and a sad day in the state of Kansas,” state Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood, said.

He called the amedment discriminatory.

Lawrence’s two senators — both freshmen legislators — split on the proposal.

State Sen. Roger Pine, a Republican, voted for the amendment, saying the public should have an opportunity to vote on it. “My constituents want that opportunity to express themselves.” he said.

State Sen. Marci Francisco, a Democrat, said the amendment was unnecessary because state law already says marriage is between one woman and one man.

She added, “I think marriage is a matter for our churches and religious institutions, instead of our state,” she said.

For more on this story, see the 6News reports at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and pick up a copy of Friday’s Journal-World.