The US senate today rejected a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage which had the backing of President George Bush.

The motion gained the votes of only 49 senators, which is 11 short of the 60 votes needed to take the measure forward. Republican leaders have vowed to take it up in the House of Representatives later this year.

Mr Bush and his supporters had argued that the constitution should be amended to prevent judges from overturning existing state bans on gay marriage.

Full Story: Guardian.