MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Bestiality is one step closer to being illegal in Alabama after the Alabama Senate today passed a bill to criminalize sexual contact with animals.

Senate Bill 151 would criminalize sexual contact with animals, with exemptions for acceptable animal husbandry and veterinarian practices.

State Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, sponsored the bill which passed today with no debate by a vote of 20-1. The lone dissenting vote was due to a common procedure in the Legislature, whereby a vote on a previous bill can be used for the next bill up for a vote.

Next, the bill will go before the Alabama House for approval.

Currently, bestiality is still legal in 14 states and the District of Columbia.