JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri Democrats are vowing to keep talking to block a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment granting greater religious protections to some business owners and individuals who object to gay marriage.

Debate on the measure began around 4:20 p.m. Monday and stretched without a break into Tuesday. Some opponents vowed to carry on past the 24-hour mark.

Republican Senate leaders also pledged to press ahead until they reach a vote.

The proposal would ban government penalties against those who decline based on religious grounds to provide goods or services of “expressional or artistic creation” for same-sex weddings. That could include bakers or florists.

If passed by the Senate, the measure would have to go through the House before being submitted to voters in the August primary or November general elections.