Critics say it is an attempt to demean gay relationships.
Speaker Walter Freed had to break a 69-69 tie to advance the proposal to a final vote Friday. At least two House members said they might vote against the bill then because they do not want the state endorsing same-sex relationships at all. The measure appears doomed in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Democratic Gov. Howard Dean, who signed the civil unions law, has also said he would veto a repeal. The sponsor, Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Peg Flory, said sexual orientation should not be a factor in determining who qualifies for marriage benefits.