JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Senate could vote Thursday on whether to send the House a proposal creating religious protections for those objecting to gay marriage.

The Republican-led Senate gave initial approval early Wednesday to the proposed constitutional amendment after halting a Democratic filibuster that lasted 37 hours.

Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard told MissouriNet that allowing Democrats to filibuster for 36-hours was fair.

But, he said Republicans had to do something to end the delay.  They used a parliamentary procedure to end the filibuster.

“We didn’t have a choice,” Sen. Richard said.  “Filibusters are part of our rules, and the other part of the rules for a leveling of the filibuster is the ‘previous question.’  We rarely use it, but we couldn’t come to a negotiated settlement.”

The measure would prohibit government penalties against those who cite religious beliefs while declining to provide wedding-related services to same-sex couples. The religious protections would apply to clergy, religious organizations and some businesses such as florists and photographers.

Another Senate vote is needed to send the measure to the House. Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard says that is likely to occur Thursday.

If passed by both chambers, the measure would appear on the ballot during either the August primary or November general election.

(MissouriNet contributed to this report)