NASHVILLE (AP) -- The Tennessee House Thursday morning approved the resolution that would amend the state constitution and ban gay marriage.

The Senate had given its approval in February and Thursday's 88-7 House passage sends the issue to voters in next year's gubernatorial election.

Rep. Bill Dunn of Knoxville said he sponsored the bill because "It's proper for government to be involved and put a stamp of approval between a man and a woman."

According to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 11 states passed anti-gay marriage amendments in November 2004 and gay marriage opponents have taken steps to do the same in another 17 states.