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BOSTON (CBS) ― Massachusetts lawmakers have blocked a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage from reaching voters.

The 45-151 vote means Massachusetts remains the only state in the nation to allow same-sex couples to marry. The question needed the approval of 50 of 200 lawmakers in consecutive sessions to advance to the 2008 ballot. It got the first approval at the end of last session in January with 62 votes.

It's a stunning victory for gay marriage advocates and a devastating blow to efforts to reverse a historic 2003 court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.

As the tally was announced, the halls of the Statehouse erupted in cheers and applause from supporters of gay marriage gathered outside the House chambers.

"We're proud of our state today, and we applaud the Legislature for showing that Massachusetts is strongly behind fairness," said Lee Swislow, executive director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders.

"Equality for gay and lesbian citizens has enriched our state, made our communities stronger, and our families happier," Swislow said. "The vote today was the triumph of time, experience, and understanding over fear and prejudice."

In contrast to several past joint sessions, there was no debate Thursday: Senate President Therese Murray opened the constitutional convention by calling for a vote, and the session was gaveled to a close immediately after.

Opponents of gay marriage vowed to press on, but Thursday's defeat -- after more than three years of sometimes wrenching debate -- could prove insurmountable.

Any effort to mount a new ballot question would take years at a time when political support in Massachusetts is swinging firmly behind gay marriage and public attention has moved onto other issues, including the state's landmark health care law.

Former governor Mitt Romney, an outspoken critic of gay marriage released a statement after the vote, calling it a "regrettable setback."

"Unfortunately, our elected representatives decided that the voice of the people did not need to be heard in this debate. It is now even more important that we pass a Constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage. Marriage is an institution that goes to the heart of our society, and our leaders can no longer abdicate their responsibility."

Romney is now running for the Republican nomination for president in 2008.

For gay couples, the vote marked what could be the end of a struggle that began in 2001, when seven same-sex couples, denied marriage licenses, sued in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston to challenge the state's gay marriage ban.

More than 8,500 same sex couples have married in Massachusetts since they became legal in May 2004.

The vote is also a victory for the state's Democratic leadership, including Gov. Deval Patrick, a vocal supporter of gay marriage, who pressed lawmakers up until the final moments to block the measure.

House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, D-Boston and Murray, D-Plymouth, also support gay marriage and worked to change votes -- arguing the rights of a minority group should not be put to a popular vote.

In the end, they changed more minds than needed, with the measure falling five votes short of passing.

The public seems divided on what should be done.

In an exclusive WBZ-SurveyUSA News poll released Thursday morning, 52-percent said they think same-sex marriage should be legal in Massachusetts. 43-percent said it should not. 5-percent were not sure.

As for putting the question on the ballot, 52-percent said voters should decide compared to 45-percent who don't want it on the ballot. 3-percent weren't sure.

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