AUGUSTA, (AP) – Gay marriage and expanded casino gambling are among the items that will be on the agenda when the Maine Legislature returns to the State House this week to begin its final push toward a mid-June adjournment.

The Judiciary Committee has split along party lines over whether a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage should pass. In an incomplete tally, seven of the committee’s Democrats opposed the amendment, while five Republicans voted Friday to endorse it.

Passing a constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in the Democratic-majority Legislature, and then approval by voters.

Maine already has a law on the books banning same-sex marriage. But supporters of a constitutional amendment to highlight that statute say it’s needed to prevent the courts from forcing the state to legalize same-sex marriage, as the Massachusetts supreme court did two years ago.

Opponents of the amendment up for debate in Maine say the existing ban is sufficient because there are no court cases pending in the state to legalize same-sex marriage. Eighteen other states have amended their constitutions to ban same-sex marriage.

Another unresolved issue, whether to allow tribal casino gambling in eastern Maine, also faces dim prospects because Gov. John Baldacci has said he does not support it.

The proposal supported by the Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe would allow 1,500 slot machines in Washington County, within 45 miles of tribal land. Opponents say the bill could be construed to allow casinos almost anywhere in the state.

In the days leading up to a statutory June 15 adjournment of the session, the focus will likely turn toward financial matters. Lawmakers must complete work on a supplemental state budget, which involves reconsideration of a $450 million bond package that helps to finance state programs.

Proposals to revamp taxes, including phasing out a business equipment tax, also remain on the table.