A Maryland Senate panel Tuesday voted 7-to-4 in favor of a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, wasting little time in advancing a measure that narrowly cleared the House of Delegates last week.

Tuesday’s vote by the Judicial Proceedings Committee sends the bill to
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (left) and Gov. Martin O’Malley (right). (Sarah L. Voisin - THE WASHINGTON POST) the full Senate, which could have it on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s desk by the end of the week.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) told reporters that he expects his chamber to vote no later than Friday on the legislation, which O’Malley (D) is sponsoring this year.

Last year, the Senate approved similar legislation 25 to 21, and no members have announced a change in position since then.

“I have no reason to think any votes have shifted against us,” said Sen. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery), a leading supporter. “We’re at 25 and holding and conceivably could go up one.”

Opponents of the bill could attempt a filibuster in the Senate, which takes 29 votes to cut off. Last year, Miller, who opposes the bill, worked to head off a filibuster.

Even opponents acknowledged Tuesday they are not likely to block the bill this year.

“They seem to always come up with the number they need to shut us down,” said Sen. Nancy Jacobs (R-Harford).

If the bill is amended by the Senate, it returns to the House for additional consideration. Otherwise, once passed, the legislation heads straight to the governor.

Supporters made clear during committee debate Tuesday that they do not want to amend the bill.

Opponents have vowed to petition the bill to the ballot, which would give Maryland voters the final say in November.