Hundreds of raucous demonstrators on both sides of the divisive same-gender marriage debate jammed the usually sedate halls of New York’s Capitol on Monday as Senate Republicans, who can determine the measure’s fate, consider whether to schedule a decisive vote on the issue.

New York’s vote is seen as pivotal in the national question over same-gender  marriage, an effort that largely stalled in the same room two years ago when the Senate voted it down. Since then, efforts have failed in New Jersey, Rhode Island and Maryland. Advocates hope a “yes” vote in the nation’s third most-populous state jumpstarts the effort.

On Monday, groups led by clergy opposed to same-gender marriage sang hymns such as “Victory is Mine” and prayed in small circles while pro-same-sex marriage advocates countered with “God Bless America” and lined the halls and parlor outside the Senate chamber.

State troopers were called to the Senate chamber floor as the two groups started to merge and argue with each other, but there were no immediate threats of escalation, only debate. There were no threats and senators moved unmolested from the elevators to their conference room on the Capitol’s stately and normally staid third floor.

Senate Republicans, who control the chamber, were scheduled to meet behind closed doors Monday. They could call for a floor vote Monday, or it could still be a day or two away.

The Assembly has already passed the measure. Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he will sign it.

(Source: NBC New York)