The state Senate today rejected a motion to recall a civil-unions bill from committee, which likely means the bill is dead for the session.

The vote on the motion to pull the bill was 18 to 6 in opposition. Under the state Constitution, it takes the votes of nine of 25 senators to recall a bill from committee.

The bill, which passed the state House last month, would give same-sex partners the same rights, benefits and responsibility as married couples under state law.

The state Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee split 3-3 on the bill last month.

The Senate gallery was full of observers and a crowd gathered outside. Many in the crowd were wearing red, the symbol of opposition to civil unions.