A majority of Rhode Island voters say same-sex marriage should be legalized in the state, according to a new survey released Thursday by Public Policy Polling.

According to the poll, 57 percent of Rhode Islanders believe marriage equality should be allowed in the state, while only 36 present say it should not.

Only 13 percent of voters say there should be no legal recognition of a same-sex relationships, while 31 percent said they prefer the existing civil unions over legalizing same-sex marriage.

The poll comes as state lawmakers are considering legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage.

Last week, the Rhode Island House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the measure to allow gays and lesbians to marry in the only New England state where they can’t.

The bill is expected to be considered in the state Senate, but it’s likely to be weeks, or even months, before the Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings and a vote on the bill.