But Senator Ian Le Marquand lodged an amendment, which was approved by 24 votes to 18, to change Deputy Mézec’s proposal.

The amended proposition was approved by 39 votes to one, with just St Clement Deputy Gerard Baudains opposing the proposed study into the effects of allowing same-sex marriages.

According to the proposition, the Chief Minister must now report back to the States before 31 December on whether bringing in gay marriage would be appropriate.