Minnesota state Senate leaders said Wednesday that they plan to hold a floor debate and vote on the gay marriage bill Monday if the state House passes the measure Thursday.
A vote on the bill is likely to be close in the House, although DFL state House leaders have said they wouldn't bring it up for a floor vote unless they had the votes.
Some expected amendments — which would add some protection for churches and possibly include the words "civil marriage" in the proposed law's wording — may bring some Republican yes votes.
DFL state Senate officials have indicated that they have enough votes to pass the measure, and the governor has said he'll sign it if it gets to him.