SAN JUAN—Legislators in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives adjourned Nov. 8 without taking action on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay and lesbian marriage.

The ban passed the Puerto Rico Senate Nov. 7 but House President Jose Aponte said representatives wouldn’t be rushed into approving on the last day of the legislative session.

“Do they expect us to act without any type of House review, just because the Senate acted?” Aponte said. “Space should be given so that, at the very least, there is a day for review regarding this process. Here, on the last day of the session, the Senate sends these measures to say they accomplished something and to further a cause. I have more responsibility than that.”

Gay and lesbian activists remain pessimistic about defeating the amendment when the legislature reconvenes in January. In the Puerto Rico Senate, the vote was 20-2 in favor of the ban, with two abstentions and four senators absent.

“Never in our history has the constitution been amended to discriminate or restrict rights,” said gay activist Pedro Julio Serrano. “What a shame and disgrace for our history.”