INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has narrowly approved stripping a sentence that bars civil unions from a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage.

The House voted 52-43 Monday to remove the second sentence in a vote that drew cheers from activists gathered outside the House chamber.

The second sentence has been a sticking point for many lawmakers, including some who have said they otherwise support banning gay marriage. Opponents have focused their efforts on striking the language and have argued that it could prevent employers from offering benefits to same-sex couples.

Supporters of the measure said Monday that similar language in other states hasn't had that effect.

Twenty-three Republicans joined 29 Democrats to strip out the second sentence.