The Nevada Senate has approved a legislation that would allow same-sex couples to register as domestic partners and receive many of same rights as married couples have in the state.

The bill also would include opposite-sex couples who do not wish to marry.

The measure still needs approval by the Assembly. But, even if it passes, Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) has threatened to veto it. The Senate's 12 - 9 vote falls short of the 14 votes needed to override a veto.