Eigel, who with other members of the Senate Conservative Caucus have repeatedly stalled votes this legislative session, said Senate GOP leadership should not have brought up such a controversial topic on the chamber's last working day before Easter.

"My family's waiting for me. I'm sure your family's waiting for you," Eigel said to another senator. "So it might be better to have this conversation later on in session when we don't have the pressure of the holiday staring us in the face."

Despite Eigel's insistence, not all senators were interested in delaying a vote.

"This is a matter of great importance to my constituents," said Sen. Scott Sifton, D-south St. Louis County. "I am not in a position to try to forestall a vote on this measure today."

Eigel, shortly before 1 p.m., gave up the floor to an ally and could be seen engaged in a heated conversation with Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, who helps control what legislation is brought up for debate. Eigel was later seen arguing with Sen. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane.

"I'm really disappointed in my colleagues for trying to force this through," Eigel said after the vote. "I think this issue deserves a lot more conversation than what it got."