The state Senate voted today to recall a civil-unions bill from committee and then amended it to expand the privilege to all couples. The move effectively kills the bill for this session, but Senate Democrats promised to work over the interim and to try to pass a compromise version of the bill next session.

The amended bill also makes it clear that the bill does not equate civil unions to marriage.

The state House passed a civil-unions bill 33 to 17 in February but the bill stalled in the Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee.

The Senate gallery was filled this morning with opponents of civil unions — wearing red — and supporters — wearing white — to watch the session.