LONDON (AP) - British lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill to legalize same-sex marriages.

The government-proposed bill would enable same-sex couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies, provided that the religious institution consents.

In a first House of Commons vote on Tuesday, lawmakers voted 400 to 175 in support of the legislation. More votes are expected.

The bill has been championed by Prime Minister David Cameron and many senior officials.

But it has divided the ruling Conservative Party and faced stronger than expected opposition within its ranks.

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