"I'm not cutting anything out," he said.

Throughout Tuesday's debate, Democrats kept the same-sex marriage bill from coming to a vote by talking about a range of topical and personal issues.

Democratic Sens. Kiki Curls of Kansas City and Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal of University City talked about relentless gun violence in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. Sens. Scott Sifton of Afton and Jason Holsman of Kansas City discussed "Star Wars" as the early morning hours of Wednesday approached.

The divide between Democrats and Republicans cut both ways.

On Onder’s proposal, Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, said his views, shaped over a lifetime, are why he supports the measure on same-sex weddings.

“My conscience is directed by a certain standard of beliefs that have not changed since I accepted those as a young adult,” Emery said.

He said he just doesn’t want a baker to be forced to violate his or her conscience.

“I’m not asking the maker of wedding cakes to do anything but make wedding cakes for those patrons who want to purchase wedding cakes,” said Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur.

“And violate their conscience?” Emery asked.