Nevada is prohibited by its constitution from joining states, most recently Vermont and Iowa, where gay marriage is legal. But legislation is making its way through Carson City that would give same-sex couples who enter domestic partnerships the same benefits as married couples.

Advocates of the bill, however, are careful to distinguish their proposal from traditional marriage, given Nevada voters banned gay marriage in 2002.

Senate Bill 283 cleared a key hurdle Wednesday, passing a Senate committee by a 4-2 vote.