Despite gay marriage focus, action unlikely by lawmakers

DES MOINES (AP) - This week the Republican-controlled House likely will approve a resolution referring a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage to voters, but legislators say that's probably where the measure will end this session.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal has promised to block a vote on the measure in the Senate. Gronstal might do the same next year, and under Iowa's process for changing the state constitution, that would mean the proposal couldn't reach voters until 2016 at the earliest.

Opponents of a ban say seven years after an Iowa Supreme Court decision legalized gay marriage in 2009, voters would see little reason to overturn that ruling. Supporters say they hope an election year convinces Senate Democrats to approve the measure next session. If not, they say their effort won't lose its fire.