INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana's senators delayed a public vote on a constitutional ban on gay marriage without a word of debate in the Senate chamber.

Residents who wanted to know the reasoning behind last week's move would have had to listen in on private meetings of the senators. The Senate battle played out inside the Republican caucus over hours of private debate.

Many lawmakers have been open about their reasoning on the divisive issue, including Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long. But American Family Association of Indiana Director Micah Clark says private deliberations contribute to the public's cynical view of politicians.

Senators will get another shot at debate Monday when the ban comes up for final consideration this year. But the real choice was made in private last week.