WASHINGTON (AP) – The public spectacle of gay couples marrying in Massachusetts beginning Monday could provide the impetus for a U.S. Senate vote on a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriages this year, a key senator said Friday.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Friday that Monday’s events “will put this back on the front pages and, as public discomfort increases, people will realize this is not an issue that will go away.”

Cornyn, who chairs the Senate Judiciary’s Constitution subcommittee, said he plans to bring up in committee a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. And while it may not pass the House and Senate this year, he expects there will be a Senate vote.

The Judiciary Committee had planned to hold a hearing on the issue Tuesday, and asked Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to testify. But because Romney had a schedule conflict, the hearing was postponed until June.Democrats on the panel have opposed the constitutional amendment proposal.

Cornyn said the issue has been overwhelmed lately by other national events, and people may believe it is a state matter that is just limited to Massachusetts.

“Most people are inclined to say Massachusetts should solve its own problems, but this is a national issue that requires a national response,” he said.

He said people should not confuse Congress’ efforts to protect traditional marriage with any anti-gay sentiment. And, as more members of Congress are educated on the issue, he said support will grow for the amendment.

But Human Rights Campaign President Cheryl Jacques, a former Massachusetts state Senator, disagreed.

“History will judge harshly senators who vote to undermine the Constitution with an unnecessary and discriminatory amendment,” she said.

AP-ES-05-14-04 1800EDT